The SGMC Berrien and Lanier Campuses have received pledges of approximately $1.2 million in donations through the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit program. This program has enabled Georgia taxpayers (businesses and individuals) to redirect their Georgia income tax liability to help support qualifying rural hospitals like Berrien and Lanier.

According to SGMC Interim CEO Bill Forbes, this program is a tremendous benefit to rural communities.  In Berrien and Lanier Counties, higher rates of the uninsured with chronic medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes contribute to high levels of uncompensated care.

“It’s challenging to make financial ends meet, much less have surplus funds to purchase new equipment and renovate our aging facilities,” said Forbes. “We are thankful that donors from the local community and throughout Georgia have recognized the importance of quality rural healthcare and have chosen to support the SGMC Berrien and Lanier Campuses.”

Forbes went on to say these funds would help purchase high-tech diagnostic equipment such as 3-D mammography at the Lanier Campus and replace outdated hospital beds and other furnishings.

The SGMC Berrien and Lanier Campuses are working with Georgia HEART—(Helping Ensure Access to Rural Treatment) to help taxpayers understand the tax benefits and meet the various paperwork submission requirements for eligibility. 

According to Georgia Heart, some tax payers believe the tax credit is too good to be true.  Georgia Heart provides the know-how and administrative support to make it easy for tax payers.