Meet James Dismond

We were lucky to catch up with James Dismond recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I’ve found my purpose by paying forward the compassion and opportunities I’ve been fortunate to receive throughout my life. Being adopted as a child taught me the impact of being chosen and loved by others, shaping my belief in the power of care and community. This foundation inspired a lifelong commitment to ensuring others experience the same sense of supportiveness that has defined my own story.

Growing up in Kentucky, I experienced firsthand the struggles faced by communities where resources are limited. This drew me to the nonprofit sector where I knew I could create meaningful change. Over the past decade, I’ve served in various roles for nonprofits across the Southeast, using my passion and skills to advance support systems that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

When I joined MiraSol Health, formerly known as Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, as Director of Development in 2020, I was inspired by the organization’s mission to honor life by providing compassionate care and guidance to those experiencing serious illness, end-of-life, and grief. That mission became deeply personal when my mother passed away under hospice care in 2023. Her experience reinforced my purpose: to ensure every individual and family facing life’s most challenging moments is met with dignity and compassion and receives the support they deserve. It is this blend of personal experience and professional dedication that continues to drive my purpose today.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am proud to serve as the CEO of MiraSol Health, a community-driven nonprofit providing hospice, palliative, and grief care across Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton Counties in South Carolina. What sets MiraSol Health apart is our commitment to the community we have served for over 40 years. As one of the few nonprofit healthcare providers in the region, we can prioritize patients over our bottom line.

This year, we marked a significant milestone rebranding from Hospice Care of the Lowcountry to MiraSol Health, expanding our vision beyond just hospice services while remaining true to our compassionate, patient-first approach. We also launched 2 new programs, the Rays of Hope Behavioral Health offering counseling support services, and the Maggie Clark Volunteer Program which oversees our volunteer services. The expansion of our services and reach allows us to impact more families in our community. Last year, our total revenue was $6.2 million, and our fundraising efforts generated nearly $800,000. Eighty percent of our revenue, approximately $4,960,000, was allocated to direct support for those we serve, impacting nearly 4,000 individuals and families.

I firmly believe that the success of an organization relies on aligning the right people with its mission. In our line of work, staffing ratios are crucial, and we’ve implemented innovative models that improve those ratios, creating an environment where our employees feel more engaged and patients receive a higher level of care. Because of this, we are able to serve over 200 patients a day, an increase from just 45 patients a day two years ago. We are excited to continue finding ways to meet the needs of our community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Curiosity: Coming from a non-healthcare background, I recognized the importance of understanding the complex system. Before stepping into the role of CEO, I dedicated a significant amount of time to learning these systems and processes essential for improving patient outcomes and optimizing our care delivery. I embraced vulnerability by seeking input at every level of the organization, gaining a deeper understanding of each role and how it contributes to our mission. This curiosity has been critical in driving meaningful change.
Adaptability: The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to new approaches has allowed me to guide MiraSol Health through a time of growth and transformation while staying true to our mission. Not everyone was open to changing our name from Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, a name that had served our community for over 30 years. However, to make a greater impact, I knew taking the risk would mean the ability to impact more patients on a deeper level.
Empathy: Leading with empathy allows you to truly connect with the people you serve, whether they are patients, families, or your team members. It shapes how you approach challenges, build relationships, and create solutions that are meaningful and impactful.

For those starting out in their career, I encourage you to stay eager to learn and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge. Be open to change and willing to take risks, understanding that growth often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. Most importantly, lead with empathy. Take the time to listen, understand, and connect with others, as this will not only build trust but help you create a meaningful and lasting impact.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle we are facing is the impact of outdated and misdirected regulatory challenges on the healthcare industry. With the number of Americans aged 65 and older projected to increase by 47%, from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, the need for quality hospice and palliative care has never been greater. Yet, issues like the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid’s Special Focus Program (SFP), driven by flawed algorithms, unfairly represent ethical providers while failing to address fraudulent actors who damage the industry’s reputation.

At MiraSol Health, we are actively addressing these obstacles. As a board member of the South Carolina Home Care and Hospice Association (SCHCHA), I work closely with peers to advocate for the mission of non-profit care providers. This includes supporting the SFP Lawsuit to halt the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ misguided auditing practices and lobbying for much-needed legislative reforms. The hospice benefit, which has gone unchanged for over 40 years, must evolve to meet the needs of today’s patients and families.

Through collaboration with state lawmakers, sharing powerful patient stories, and championing fair regulations, we are committed to protecting the integrity of hospice care.

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Image Credits

James Dismond / MiraSol Health

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