The history of

     Mercy Care

     Mercy Hospice was founded in 1980 to bring a special program of caring to the chronically ill and dying patients and their families. Organized by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and initially funded by both the Sisters and the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, Mercy Hospice of Horry County was welcomed into the Horry County community.

Mercy served its first patient in July of 1981.

     Through the guidance and active support of local persons serving on its community board, the agency has gained wide acceptance among professionals and within the broader communities it serves. As new and existing community programs and venues blossomed and flourished, the decision was made in late 2009 to do business under our legal name Mercy Care instead of our business name, Mercy Hospice & Palliative Care.

Mercy Care Timeline:

1980:  Mercy Hospice formed by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and initially funded by both the Sisters and the Catholic Diocese of Charleston.

1981:  First patient enters Mercy’s care in July.  During first full year, Hospice ministers to patients and their families.  Sister Connie Fahey named executive director.

1987:  The Franciscan Sisters of Mary transfer the management of Mercy Hospice to SSM Health Care.

1992:  Mercy receives a license to operate a Home Health Care program for terminally ill persons.

1995:  Children’s bereavement program established. 

1997:  Ownership of Mercy transferred to a newly created corporation, Mercy Care, which represents the major hospital systems in Horry County.

2001:  First John Heiert Memorial Golf Tournament held in support of Mercy Hospice.  Now in its 7th year, the John Heiert/Jean Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament has raised more than $82,000.

2004:  Mercy expands its mission to embrace a multi-disciplinary service, Palliative Care, providing care to ease pain and distressing symptoms for individuals who have chronic, life-limiting illnesses. First Camp Happy Hearts held.

2005:  Mercy Hospice celebrates its 25th anniversary.

2006:  Thrivent, along with support from members of Christ The Servant Lutheran Church in Conway, host their first Charity Golf Tournament in support of Mercy Hospice.  In three years, the tournament has raised more than $27,000.

2006:  Sister Connie Fahey retires as executive director after 25 years of service.  Steve Scoma named executive director.

2007:  Mercy Hospice Grief & Loss Center opens.

2007:  Mercy Hospice granted accreditation—with commendation—from the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP).

2008:  Sara-Jo Faucher - RN, MSN,  - named executive director.