- Hospital is also named an Employer Support Freedom Award finalist -

Myrtle Beach, SC (May 26, 2021) – Grand Strand Medical Center has been named a recipient of the 2021 Pro Patria Award by the South Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (SC ESGR). The award is given to only one large business (500+ employees) per year, for the highest support of Service Member employees.

"To be recognized nationally as an organization which supports our colleagues’ military service is an accomplishment the whole community should take pride in,” said Mark Sims, chief executive officer of Grand Strand Health. "We are honored that the same people who have chosen to volunteer to serve our country also choose to care for our patients close to home. Their service is extraordinary and is a true testament to our mission, 'Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.'"

Grand Strand Medical Center has also been named one of 30 finalists nationwide for the 2021 Freedom Award in recognition of the organization’s support for its National Guard and Reserve employees. Honorees were selected from 3,382 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists highlighting how their civilian employers went far beyond what the federal law requires to support them. Specialist Karina Banaduc, RN, nominated her employer for the prestigious award.

HCA Healthcare, parent organization of Grand Strand Health, is nationally recognized as a military-friendly employer and military-spouse friendly employer for ten consecutive years, hiring more than 40,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses since 2012. In 2020, the organization

received recognition from “Military Times” as one of the country’s best employers for veterans based on their military-connected employment programs, benefits and support efforts. HCA Healthcare supports colleagues who want to continue to serve as active duty military while working at HCA Healthcare, offering military leave and supplemental pay to eligible colleagues.

“Grand Strand Medical Center's support is a shining example of patriotism, allowing our ‘Citizen Warriors’ to complete their mission of protecting this Country,” says SC ESGR State Chair Jennifer Harding.

The 15 employers selected to receive the 2021 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award will be announced early this summer.