Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is highlighting a series of investments made by Georgia’s Rural Center, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, to improve healthcare services in multiple communities across rural Georgia. Through Georgia’s Rural Center, the Department is playing a leading role in strengthening rural communities by investing in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and economic growth across the state, while ensuring that Georgia farmers have a voice in conversations regarding development projects in their communities.

“Georgia’s Rural Center is making targeted investments to strengthen rural communities and support the long-term success of our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Access to quality healthcare is essential for the success of rural Georgia. From strengthening healthcare access to supporting local economic development, these projects underscore our commitment to rural Georgia, and we look forward to continuing to invest in the success of rural communities across the state through Georgia’s Rural Center.”

Through these recent investments, Georgia’s Rural Center has awarded nearly $400,000 across three healthcare-specific projects:

• Evans County (Claxton) – A $125,000 grant to Evans Memorial Hospital to support critical technology upgrades, including barcode medication scanning equipment in the Emergency Department to improve patient safety and reduce medication errors.
• Ben Hill County (Fitzgerald) – A $126,000 grant to Dorminy Medical Center to purchase a new ultrasound machine, expanding diagnostic capabilities, supporting workforce recruitment, and improving access to prenatal care for families in South Georgia.
• Dodge County (Eastman) – A $142,000 grant to Dodge County Hospital to upgrade technology infrastructure, including communication systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, and clinical equipment, improving efficiency and enhancing patient care delivery.