GEORGIA (WFXG) - Governor Brian P. Kemp announced $6 million in grants to 13 rural hospitals in Georgia through the Dual Track Rural Hospital Support program. Managed by the Department of Community Health’s State Office of Rural Health, the grants allow hospitals to choose between funding new or existing graduate medical education (GME) programs or receiving direct hospital support.

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of improving rural healthcare, stating, "These awards will support hospitals serving rural Georgians and communities in need."

GME funds help train physicians in specific medical specialties, while direct support funds can enhance healthcare access, staffing, and hospital operations. Each selected hospital received between $250,000 and $1 million to enhance quality care in rural areas.

 Department of Community Health’s Commissioner Russel Carlson noted, "Addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities is a priority. This grant strengthens access in underserved regions and invests in Georgia’s healthcare workforce."

The program is funded by the state’s Rural Hospital Stabilization Grant, which has provided over $40 million to rural hospitals since 2014.

The 2024 Dual Track Rural Hospital Support Grant recipients are:

Graduate Medical Education Funding
• John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital (Thomasville, GA) - $1M
• Colquitt Regional Medical Center (Moultrie, GA) - $1M
• Coffee Regional Medical Center (Douglas, GA) - $250,000
• Memorial Health Meadows Hospital (Vidalia, GA) - $250,000
• Fairview Park Hospital (Dublin, GA) - $250,000

Hospital Support Funding
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin (Milledgeville, GA) - $500,000
• Emanuel Medical Center (Swainsboro, GA) - $500,000
• Effingham Health System (Springfield, GA) - $500,000
• Putnam General Hospital (Eatonton, GA) - $500,000
• Washington County Regional Medical Center (Sandersville, GA) - $500,000
• Jefferson Hospital (Louisville, GA) - $250,000
• Upson Regional Medical Center (Thomaston, GA) - $250,000
• Union General Hospital (Blairsville, GA) - $250,000

For additional information regarding the announcement, please visit the grants announcement page here.

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