SGMC Health has received the prestigious Georgia HEART Impact Award from the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. This honor recognizes the healthcare system’s strong commitment to improving rural healthcare through its Berrien Expansion Project.
The award highlights SGMC Health’s use of Georgia HEART tax credit funds to build a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department at its Berrien campus. The 26,000-square-foot facility opened in December 2024 and marks a significant upgrade for emergency care in Berrien County and nearby rural areas.
The new Emergency Department replaces the former four-room setup with nine advanced treatment rooms. These include larger trauma and specialty care rooms, improved monitoring systems, and upgraded support areas. The expansion aims to better meet the growing demand for emergency services in the region.
Hilary Gibbs, Vice President of Support Services and Chief Development Officer, praised the collaborative effort behind the project. “This recognition reflects the hard work of our healthcare professionals, community leaders, donors, and supporters who made this vision possible,” she said. “The Georgia HEART Program helped us turn tax dollars into life-saving infrastructure that will benefit generations of South Georgians.”
Since its start, the Georgia HEART Hospital Program has been a vital resource for rural hospitals across the state. For SGMC Health Berrien, HEART contributions were essential in funding this expansion, showing the powerful impact of community-supported healthcare.
“Every gift has helped transform rural healthcare,” Gibbs added. “This award celebrates the spirit of a community united for the common good.”
Founded in 1965, SGMC Health Berrien has long been a healthcare cornerstone in its community. It offers a full range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, 3-D mammography, and geriatric psychiatric care.
Georgia HEART is a state income tax credit program that lets Georgians direct their tax dollars to support rural hospitals like SGMC Health’s Berrien and Lanier campuses. The program is currently accepting applications for 2025 tax credits. Applying takes less than a minute.
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