Columbia, SC, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Cooperative Health is closing eight clinics and laying off 80 employees due to ongoing financial difficulties exacerbated by increasing numbers of underinsured and uninsured patients. The closures will commence soon, and patients will be redirected to nearby facilities to ensure continuity of care. Community members have voiced concerns about the impact on healthcare access, while the organization is working to support affected staff during this transition.
Columbia, SC – Cooperative Health, formerly known as Eau Claire Cooperative Health, is set to close eight of its clinics and lay off 80 employees due to persistent financial struggles. The closures will begin on Friday, with affected patients being referred to nearby Cooperative Health locations starting next week. The layoffs will officially take effect on September 12.
Cooperative Health, which serves over 50,000 patients in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Fairfield counties, has been dealing with rising financial pressures over the last several years. These pressures have been compounded by a significant increase in the number of underinsured and uninsured patients seeking care. The organization aims to protect patient care and ensure its long-term sustainability through these drastic measures.
The clinics affected include the John Spratt Primary Care Center in Ridgeway, the Lake Monticello Family Practice in Jenkinsville, and others such as Brookland-Cayce Medical Practice and Eau Claire’s podiatry office. While the organization emphasizes that the patient base will not experience an interruption in care, there are concerns within the community about how these changes will impact access to healthcare services.
Local patient Richard Ratliff has voiced worries regarding the layoffs, suggesting that while the distance to the new clinics may be manageable, the loss of staff members will have a more profound impact on the level of care provided. The organization, however, reassures that it is not in immediate danger of closing altogether and is committed to redirecting patients to existing nearby facilities without disruption to their healthcare services.
Cooperative Health has served the community since the 1980s, focusing its efforts on underserved populations and receiving federal funding. The decision to close clinics is not attributed to recent legislative changes such as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” nor anticipated modifications to Medicaid, according to organizational representatives.
As the closures approach, Cooperative Health is engaging with impacted employees, promising to provide dedicated resources and guidance during their transition from the organization. The goal is to support those affected by the layoffs in securing new employment opportunities.
Community members have expressed their concerns, anticipating that the clinic closures could hinder access to vital healthcare services that many rely on. As more details emerge, stakeholders remain focused on finding solutions that uphold the commitment to patient care amid ongoing economic challenges.
FAQs
What is the reason behind the closure of Cooperative Health’s clinics?
The closures are a response to ongoing financial pressures and an increase in underinsured and uninsured patients.
How many clinics are closing and when will it happen?
Eight clinics will close starting Friday, and the layoffs of 80 employees will take effect on September 12.
Will patients still receive care after the closures?
Yes, patients will be referred to nearby Cooperative Health locations with no expected interruption in care.
What support is being provided for affected employees?
Cooperative Health has committed to offering dedicated resources and guidance to assist impacted employees during the transition.
Key Features of the Cooperative Health Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Clinics Closing | Eight |
| Employees Laid Off | 80 |
| Effective Date of Layoffs | September 12 |
| Total Patients Served | Over 50,000 |
| Regions Affected | Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Fairfield counties |
| Founded | 1980s |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX
- WIS TV
- The State
- Blythewood Online
- Newberry Observer
- Wikipedia: Health care in the United States
- Google Search: Cooperative Health news
- Google Scholar: health care accessibility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: health care
- Google News: Cooperative Health
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