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Cone Health has partnered with a South Carolina health tech startup to bring free health screenings to the Triad in a new community health initiative.
Greensboro’s independent health system is now utilizing the platform and network of independent pharmacies of SiteLabs. Cone Health Ventures, which identifies startups that address the needs of the health system and helps accelerate the commercialization of products and services, has been working with SiteLabs for more than a year.
Based in Anderson, S.C. and founded in 2020, SiteLabs has developed a point-of-care testing platform that enables pharmacies to screen for diabetes, hypertension, cancer and more. SiteLabs’ goal is to better health outcomes by helping to detect chronic health conditions and diseases earlier.
“Early detection and intervention, through these essential wellness screenings, can dramatically alter the course of chronic diseases, particularly for communities that have historically lacked access to such health care services,” said Chris Brown, vice president of Cone Health Medical Group.
Through its partnership with SiteLabs, Cone Health is currently with four independent pharmacies and anticipates adding another 15 to 20, said Doug Allred, a spokesperson for Cone. The screenings will cover blood sugar (A1C), cholesterol, blood pressure and other basic vitals.
Cone Health has been focused on health equity and community health in the Triad, announcing earlier this month that it would invest $150 million over the next five years to address medically underserved areas. The funding will aid its CATCH 5 in 5 initiative, announced last year, that aims to reduce the disparity in life expectancy by five years.
“Independent pharmacies are known for deep ties to their community and play a crucial role in extending preventive screenings to those who might otherwise miss out or remain unengaged with their care,” said SiteLabs CEO Darren Schuapp.
In October, SiteLabs received a $250,000 investment from the South Carolina Research Authority’s investment arm, SC Launch Inc. It also received an investment of an undisclosed amount from the Labcorp Venture Fund in November.
“These screenings are more than a service,” said Deno Adkins, senior vice president of Cone’s ambulatory and consumer services. “They are a lifeline to those in our community who are often overlooked or underserved, offering them a change to improve health awareness and access.”