South State Bank makes donation to aid Augusta University Health’s COVID-19 relief efforts

As Augusta University Health works to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, South State Bank has donated $25,000 to AU Health’s Emergency Response Fund for relief efforts.

The funding will be used to help AU Health address the growing demands of the COVID-19 outbreak, including pre-screening, testing and treatment of patients who require isolation and complex care.

“These are challenging times we are facing, and we are grateful for the financial support of South State Bank as we work to provide high-quality care to those impacted by this health crisis,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD.

South State Bank Division President Jay Forrester says the bank feels a sense of responsibility to help keep the community safe and healthy.

“We appreciate the assistance Augusta University Health System is providing to our community, and we are especially grateful for the talented medical professionals who are caring for the sick,” said Forrester. “We are pleased to support the work the hospital and its staff are doing for our region during these unprecedented times.”

Since March, when Augusta University began its COVID-19 response efforts, over 16,000 hotline calls have been answered, more than 16,000 telemedicine screenings have been completed through the AU Health ExpressCare app and over 8,000 specimen collections have been made at drive-thru locations around the state.

A major challenge with expanding testing in Georgia has been a shortage of reagents, or testing supplies. The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University is providing 3D printed nasal swabs to support the expansion.

“We are thankful to South State Bank for giving during this time of crisis and helping Augusta University Health secure the resources needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deborah Vaughn, vice president for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement at Augusta University. “AU Health is a leader in Georgia’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, and the generosity of our community partners will help us overcome this public health challenge.”

South State Corporation (NASDAQ: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, with over $16.6 billion in assets. South State Bank, the company’s primary subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia. South State has served customers since 1934. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com.

For more information about Augusta University and the Emergency Response Fund, go to www.augusta.edu/giving/covid-19, email philanthropy@augusta.edu or call 706-721-4001.