WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 10, 2026 – Senior leadership and board members of Sandhills Medical traveled to the nation’s capital this week to engage in policy education with Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC). The delegation, led by CEO Amanda Duke and President of Legislative and Strategic Affairs Paul Napper, shared data-driven insights on the role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in South Carolina’s 5th District.
The meeting served as an opportunity to provide factual information regarding the impact of federal funding and the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which enables centers like Sandhills to stretch scarce federal resources to serve a larger patient base.
Informing the Conversation on Rural Healthcare
During the briefing, the delegation highlighted that CHCs serve 1 in 3 rural residents and operate as the nation’s largest primary care system, which research suggests saves the healthcare system billions by reducing reliance on emergency and specialty care.
“Our presence on ‘The Hill’ was focused on educating policymakers about the unique needs of our patients,” said CEO Amanda Duke. “By providing Congressman Norman with data on how federal support is utilized in McBee and our surrounding service areas, we ensure that the realities of rural healthcare are well-understood at the federal level.”
Neutral Policy Outreach and Data Sharing
As part of the newly established Office of Legislative and Strategic Affairs, Paul Napper facilitated the discussion on key operational and policy considerations, including:
- The Importance of Sustainable Funding: Highlighting the $5 billion annual gap in uncompensated care that impacts health centers nationwide and discussing the necessity of stable funding streams.
- The 340B Program: Expressing concerns regarding proposed rebate models and explaining how the current structure supports affordable medication access for low-income patients.
- Workforce Development: Providing information on the role of the National Health Service Corps in addressing clinician shortages in underserved South Carolina communities.
“Our objective is to serve as a factual resource for our elected officials,” said Paul Napper. “By sharing the ‘Sandhills Story’ through a lens of neutral policy education, we help ensure that the healthcare industry’s most pressing challenges are met with informed decision-making.”
About Sandhills Medical
Sandhills Medical is a leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services to South Carolina residents. As an FQHC, it serves all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, using an income-adjusted sliding-fee schedule
