MOULTRIE — The First Bank recently demonstrated its commitment to community welfare by presenting Colquitt Regional Medical Center with a donation of $62,500. These funds were given through the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit program, an initiative established in 2016 to address the growing challenges rural hospitals face.
Many rural hospitals have faced significant financial challenges and cuts in healthcare reimbursements, the bank said in a press release. The Georgia General Assembly launched this program to assist these hospitals in their growth and expand healthcare services during economic hardship.
This financial support will significantly help cover vital capital expenses for medical education, including essential supplies needed for high-fidelity training manikins in the hospital’s new medical education center, the bank said. Additionally, the funds will directly benefit indigent emergency department patients, ensuring they receive the care they urgently need.
In 2023, The First Bank was among 278 Georgia taxpayers who opted to redirect their Georgia income tax liability to offer support to Colquitt Regional through the Georgia HEART (Helping Enhance Access to Rural Treatment) program. The official check was presented to Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney by The First Bank Moultrie Market President Ross Dekle.
“We are grateful for generous donations from our community partners,” said Matney. “Their unwavering support helps ensure that we are able to provide the latest technology and training resources to our employees.”
Previous donations through Georgia HEART facilitated the establishment of the Edwards Cancer Center in 2019, the acquisition of a medical linear accelerator in 2020, the construction of a new senior wellness unit in 2022, and the construction of the new medical education center and physician clinic., the bank said. Future tax credit contributions are earmarked for essential supplies for the new medical education center, which celebrated its grand opening in November 2023.
“The Georgia Rural Tax Credit Program continues to be a tremendous asset to our health system,” said Hospital Authority Chairman Richard E. Turner Jr. “These funds enable us to expand our services to meet the needs of our wonderful community and continue providing exceptional healthcare.”
For information regarding the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, please contact Nicole Gilbert or Gina McDonald at 229-890-3416.