Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is continuing its legacy of supporting Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) mission of “improving the community in all we do” by making a $150,000 transformational gift to the NGHS Foundation. 

The gift benefits the NGHS Foundation’s $50 million Growing the Greater Good campaign and will support initiatives like the creation of the region’s first Hospice House, growth of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) Graduate Medical Education program, Georgia Heart Institute enhancements and much more. A community room at NGMC Lumpkin, which opened last month, bears the Jackson EMC name in recognition of the generous gift.

“We know Jackson EMC cares deeply about this region,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “That’s evident in the way they continue to find ways to invest in the community. We’re lucky to have them as one of our transformational donors and appreciate their partnership in growing the greater good.”

Jackson EMC has partnered with NGHS for more than two decades, including a previous transformational gift to support the development of NGMC Braselton in southern Hall County. They have also been the premiere sponsor for the Laurel Classic—now called the Cheryl Shippey Memorial Golf Tournament—since it started in 2022.

Jackson EMC serves a 10-county area, including Hall and Lumpkin counties, where it provides power to NGMC Braselton and NGMC Lumpkin.

“Access to care has become increasingly difficult as our community grows. These investments aim to provide exceptional facilities for our members and the communities we serve,” said Chip Jakins, Jackson EMC President and CEO. “NGMC provides great care for our community, and we’re proud to partner with them to provide the services that are needed.”

The Jackson EMC donation was made possible using margin refunds that have been unclaimed by the electric cooperative’s members for five years. Legislation passed in 2005 permits Georgia electric cooperatives to make charitable, education and economic development contributions of unclaimed margin refunds. 

To learn more about the building initiatives at NGHS, visit nghs.com/growing. To learn more about the NGHS Foundation and to give, visit nghs.com/foundation.