Business News
Southland Therapy opens Bluffton clinic as Lowcountry health care expands
Families in Beaufort and Jasper counties now have expanded access to pediatric therapy, as Southland Therapy Services has opened a new clinic in the Bluffton–Okatie area.
The move is part of a wave of health care growth in the Lowcountry that also includes Beaufort Memorial’s addition of a physician assistant in Bluffton and several ribbon cuttings for new and expanding businesses.
The new Southland clinic, located at 16 William Pope Drive, Suite 204, offers speech, occupational and physical therapy for children. It is the company’s first dedicated outpatient site in Bluffton, supplementing nearly two decades of providing in-home therapy across the region.
“We’re excited to bring our team of highly skilled pediatric therapists to Bluffton and Okatie,” said John Mesaos, co-owner of Southland Therapy. “We will continue to provide families in this area with additional access to the same quality care we’ve been proud to provide in their homes for the past 19 years.”
Southland emphasizes individualized care, with licensed therapists tailoring sessions to each child’s needs in a play-based environment. The clinic is currently accepting new patients with no waitlist for physical therapy evaluations, a significant development in a region where families often face delays in accessing services.
Parents, physicians and schools can submit referrals online at www.southlandtherapy.com
New provider joins Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Primary Care
In another expansion of health care services, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has welcomed Amanda Piolata, PA-C, to its Bluffton Primary Care practice at the Okatie Medical Pavilion.
Piolata brings more than eight years of experience in urgent and primary care. She has spent the past three years at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health, treating patients at the health system’s walk-in clinics. Before moving to the Lowcountry, she worked in Columbus, Ohio, at OhioHealth Urgent Care and CardioMetabolic Health.
The Ohio native earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Ohio Dominican University and a bachelor’s in exercise science from The Ohio State University. Her ties to the region go back to family vacations on Hilton Head Island, which she said influenced her decision to make the Lowcountry home.
At Bluffton Primary Care, Piolata joins a team that includes family medicine physicians Drs. Roger Ulrich and Bruce Vincent, internal medicine specialist Dr. Johnna Stevens, and nurse practitioner Kim Bean. Patients can make appointments by calling 843-706-8690.
State of the Region luncheon
The growth of health and wellness services comes as local leaders prepare for the annual State of the Region luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa. Hosted by the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature updates from mayors, business executives and national experts on infrastructure, workforce development and economic trends shaping the Lowcountry.
Chamber officials say the program, which opens at 11 a.m. with networking before the 11:30 start, is a key forum where “decision-makers come together, ideas take shape, and the conversations that guide our future begin.”
Savannah Surfaces to host ribbon cutting
Savannah Surfaces’ ribbon cutting and showroom celebration on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 64 McDowell Circle in Hardeeville. Hosted in partnership with the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the event will include networking, a food truck lunch, and tours of the company’s new location.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community and our partners to celebrate this milestone with us,” said David Sands, general manager of Savannah Surfaces. “This event is an opportunity to showcase not only our products but also our strong relationships within the Bluffton business community.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. and is open to all community members, business leaders and partners. Savannah Surfaces, known for its broad selection of interior and exterior tile, stone and surfacing materials, says the new location reinforces its commitment to serving the Lowcountry.
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