Ameris Bank has donated $100,000 to Liberty Regional Medical Center.

The donation is a portion of the bank’s $800,000 financial support to seven rural Georgia hospitals that qualify for the Georgia HEART Hospital Program.

Bank officials said the donation was based on discussions with LRMC leaders about the hospital’s needs and services.

The program, in conjunction with the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Bill, helps rural and critical access hospitals increase funding and their ability to provide health care to thousands of Georgians. For years, due to demographic, economic, and health care industry challenges, Georgia’s rural hospitals have faced financial crises.

“Ameris Bank is honored to financially support the rural hospitals that provide for the citizens within the Georgia communities we also serve,” said Lawton E. Bassett III, bank president. “Regardless of our bank’s growth, we remain true to our roots; a community bank grounded by the principles of character, service and value. We are proud to support an effort that enhances access to healthcare, and our hope is that our financial support will help provide peace of mind to our communities and neighbors.” 

Along with Liberty Regional, hospitals receiving support from the bank are Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie, Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia, Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla, Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton and Appling Healthcare in Baxley. 

The program enables Georgia businesses and taxpayers to deduct qualifying donations from state income taxes.