HISTORY
August 9, 1978
Where It All Began
It was a dedicated group of Little River residents who decided to bring health care to their community. As a result of their vision and hard work, Little River Medical Center was incorporated on August 9, 1978. This group went on to serve as the original board of LRMC: Bill Watson, Calvin Glenn, Jo Hatchell, Louise Stone, Elmore Bellamy, Ted Brainard, Minnie Bell Brown, James Ellis, Watson Gore, Joan Lewis, Joan O’Quinn, Georgia Patrick, JD Randall, and Mildred Ward.
August 16, 1981
Putting roots in Little River
The board held a groundbreaking event on the current site of the Little River location on Sunday, August 16, 1981. The very next day, Justin Sedlak, MD, LRMC’s first physician, saw his first patient at temporary office location at the corner of Wilson and Bessant in Little River.
1982
Grand Opening
LRMC opened the doors of its permanent and current location in Little River in 1982.
The construction of LRMC was truly a community project. As construction was nearing the end, representatives of the Carolina Shores Garden Club, Little River United Methodist Church, and the Windjammer Village Property Owners’ Association joined area residents in efforts to landscape the property to ready it for opening.
2000
Specialty Programs
In 2000, LRMC initiated a migrant seasonal agricultural program to provide health and resource services to agricultural workers in the county.
2001
LRMC opens Pharmacy
In 2001, pharmacy services were made available at the Little River location.
2002
LRMC – Myrtle Beach
Offers Medical and Dental
LRMC – Myrtle Beach opened on Kings Highway in January 2002. It was the first site to offer both medical and dental services.
January 2003
LRMC – Health Access
Health Access opened in January 2003, focusing on the special needs of the homeless population.
July 2004
Miles for Smiles
In July 2004, Miles for Smiles, LRMC’s mobile dental program was initiated at Daisy Elementary School. The program now provides mobile dental services at almost 30 Horry County schools and Head Start programs
December 2009
LRMC- Loris
The opening of LRMC—Loris was celebrated with a ribbon cutting in December 2009.
October 2012
Leap into Ryan White Services & LRMC- South Strand
In October 2012, Little River Medical Center received a Ryan White Early Intervention Services grant allowing for the provision of specialized services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. With the opening of LRMC – South Strand, services were now available to residents of the southern portion of Horry County and northern communities of Georgetown County.
March 2016
LRMC- Carolina Forest
LRMC’s largest addition, LRMC – Carolina Forest, opened in March 2016 and offered medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services.
2018
LRMC goes Virtual
Telehealth care was made available in 2018 for LRMC community partners.
