Ameris Bank recently designated $20,000 in support of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin and Habersham through the Rural Hospital Tax Credit program. The program, which allows individuals and business to designate their state income tax to support qualifying rural and critical access hospitals, enhances access to health care for thousands of Georgians across the state. 

Of the 53 qualifying hospitals identified by the Georgia Department of Community Health, NGMC Lumpkin tops the list as having the greatest financial need. NGMC Habersham is also in the top 10. 

“With the demand for healthcare growing, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for individuals across the region,” said Kevin Matson, vice president for regional hospitals at NGHS. “That means expanding our services to rural communities and filling those hospitals and medical offices with the best providers, equipment and technology. These advancements aren’t possible without contributions from organizations and businesses like Georgia-based Ameris Bank.”

Ameris, whose guiding principles include a commitment to building stronger communities, has contributed more than $10 million in support of rural and critical access hospitals across Georgia since 2018. In 2023, it designated at least $10,000 to every qualifying hospital.

“Access to hospitals and quality healthcare are vital to healthy communities,” said Brian Horton, senior vice president and commercial banking officer of Ameris Bank. “We are proud to support NGMC Lumpkin and Habersham for that very reason.”

The quick and easy application can be submitted through the Georgia HEART (Helping Enhance Access to Rural Treatment) website at georgiaheart.org. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis – and with a funding cap of $75 million, available funds go quickly.