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Sandhills Medical - February 2026 Newsletter

By Joel Mercado posted 5 hours ago

  

 

A New Era of Care: Amanda Duke Steps into the CEO Role at Sandhills Medical


McBee, SC — There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air at Sandhills Medical. Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors, the organization has officially named Amanda Duke as its new Chief Executive Officer.

For those who have followed Sandhills’ journey, this appointment feels like a natural and powerful progression. Duke isn't just a newcomer with a resume; she is a seasoned healthcare leader who has spent her tenure as Chief Operating Officer (COO) deep in the trenches, refining the way care is delivered to our region. 

The appointment is part of a broader strategic leadership expansion, which includes the transition of former Interim CEO Paul Napper to the newly created role of President of Legislative and Strategic Affairs.

Operational Mastery and Visionary Growth
During her tenure as COO, Duke was the architect of Sandhills Medical’s day-to-day operations, overseeing the complexities of clinical delivery across its regional footprint. Her promotion to CEO marks a shift toward a "visionary growth" mandate, focusing on digital integration and the expansion of the Health Center Program.

"Amanda Duke is a proven leader who has spent years in the trenches refining our care delivery models," said E. Wayne Wallace, Chairman of the Board. "Her deep understanding of clinical workflows, paired with her unwavering commitment to the FQHC mission, makes her the ideal leader to guide Sandhills Medical into its next chapter of innovation."

A Mandate for Accessibility and Innovation
As CEO, Duke will oversee all clinical operations, HRSA compliance, and a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Her strategic roadmap for 2026 emphasizes:

•    Health Equity: Removing financial and geographic barriers for the uninsured and underinsured.
•    Digital Transformation: Streamlining patient access through advanced scheduling and communication technology.
•    Regional Sustainability: Ensuring the "neighbor-to-neighbor" care model scales effectively as the organization expands.


In Her Own Words
"I am honored to lead Sandhills Medical as we evolve to meet the growing needs of our communities," said Amanda Duke. "Our mission is to empower families through accessible, high-quality healthcare. I look forward to working with our talented team to achieve new heights of excellence and resilience."

Sandhills Medical Leadership Meets with Congressman Ralph Norman on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Rural Healthcare Funding

 

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, shared data-driven insights on the vital 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 
They had discussions 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. 

 
About Sandhills Medical
Sandhills Medical is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and community-based Healthcare Home dedicated to treating the whole person through comprehensive, high-quality care. Serving residents across South Carolina with nine convenient locations, Sandhills Medical provides a full spectrum of family medical services, including primary care, chronic disease management, and mental health support. As a designated FQHC, the organization is committed to increasing regional health equity through its Mobile Health Unit, on-site pharmacy services, and specialized Health Navigator Coordination to assist patients with Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. Sandhills Medical empowers individuals and families to lead healthier lives by removing financial and geographic barriers to quality healthcare.

 
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