Who We Are

The Palmetto Palace was founded on May 30, 2006 to help support underserved individuals and families in South Carolina. Seeing a need in the local health care system, founder Dr. Youlanda Gibbs created the organization to originally provide lodging and resources to those supporting a loved one who was hospitalized. This quickly expanded to additional health and support services, as well as food distribution for communities in need.

As Dr. Gibbs and her team of volunteers served a growing number of people close to her home base in Charleston, SC, she focused on expanding the organization in a large and meaningful way—by creating a mobile health unit to serve communities throughout the state, providing preventative medical and dental services to those in rural and underserved areas.

Through extensive fundraising and community support, the Palmetto Palace Mobile Health Unit made its debut on July 31, 2019. Shortly after it was ready for public service, COVID-19 hit and the Palmetto Palace pivoted quickly to meet the needs of its constituents—providing masks, public education and food distribution at first, then shifting to COVID-19 testing and eventually vaccines. To date, over 8,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered through the Palmetto Palace Mobile Health Unit, making it one of the top ten percent of COVID-19 Providers in South Carolina.

The Palmetto Palace’s mission has always been to serve in the best way possible, offering help and hope through preventative and diagnostic care to underserved communities. Over the last several years our organization has risen to the occasion and provided additional services and resources to our community when they needed it most. Our goal is to continue increasing our reach and scope of services so that we can continue to provide top notch health care, public education, and additional resources to our friends and neighbors across the state.

"It is my pleasure and privilege to serve alongside some of the best. I am so thankful for the opportunity to go out and bring a needed service to people who would not be able to get it if it were not for Palmetto Palace."

Farah May, RN Vaccinator, LOSC

 
 

 Our Core Values at The Palmetto Palace

At The Palmetto Palace, we are more than a nonprofit—we are a movement dedicated to bridging healthcare and education gaps for underserved communities. Our work is guided by unwavering values that define our commitment to those we serve:

  • Health Equity
    We believe that quality healthcare and education should be accessible to all, regardless of background or financial status.

  • Community-Centered Service
    The needs of our community drive everything we do. We listen, engage, and act with compassion and purpose.

  • Integrity & Transparency
    We operate with honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership to build trust with those who rely on our services.

  • Collaboration & Partnerships
    We know that lasting change happens when we work together. By joining forces with healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders, we expand our impact.

  • Innovation & Adaptability
    We embrace new ideas and creative solutions to address the evolving needs of our communities.

  • Respect & Inclusivity
    Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a seat at the table. We celebrate diversity and foster an environment where all voices are heard.

  • Accountability & Stewardship
    We manage our resources responsibly, ensuring donor trust and maximizing the impact of every contribution.

These values fuel our mission, inspire our team, and create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve. Together, we are building a healthier, more empowered future.

Join us in making a difference! Follow us, volunteer, or donate to be part of the impact.

Our Aims

  • Deliver equitable healthcare through mobile medical, dental, and pharmacy services.

  • Support families facing medical crises with direct relief and resource connection.

  • Address health disparities by providing education, screenings, and prevention services.

  • Empower volunteers, students, and healthcare professionals to serve and lead in their communities.

How We Serve

  • Compassion – We lead with heart in all that we do.

  • Access – We bring care directly to those who need it most.

  • Equity – We serve with fairness and dignity, always.

  • Integrity – We are accountable to our mission and the communities we serve.

  • Collaboration – We believe impact is greater when we work together.

In Loving Memory

We are heartbroken over the recent loss of our Mobile Advisory Council member and volunteer, Gidget. She was an integral part of the Palmetto Palace’s success and a critical part of the Mobile Health Unit’s COVID-19 testing trail. Gidget ensured we had staffing, supplies, and lots of ice! We all miss her dearly and are full of gratitude for her work with the Palmetto Palace.

Gidget Lashawn Stanley was dedicated to providing the best services to the citizens of Allendale County. She was the Emergency Management Director and Risk Manager for Allendale County Government. Gidget was born and raised in Denmark, South Carolina. She attended the public schools in Denmark graduating in 1990. She has attended several trainings and maintained certifications over the years in Emergency Management.