ATLANTA — As part of the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, Ameris Bank has donated $1,805,000 to 18 rural hospitals throughout Georgia.

Ameris Bank has participated in the program since 2018, contributing more than $7,800,000.

“Hospitals and their dedicated healthcare workers have gone above and beyond, especially over the past few years, to support their patients and communities,” said Ameris Bank CEO Palmer Proctor. “We are proud to support these hospitals and know they will put the funds to good use to continue delivering compassionate and quality care.”

The Georgia HEART Hospital Program partners with the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit bill (State Bill 258) to increase funding to rural and critical access hospitals in the state of Georgia. Each hospital can use the funds donated by Ameris Bank in the way that best meets its specific needs to provide quality healthcare to patients.

The 18 hospitals that received donations include Brooks County Hospital (Quitman), Coffee Regional Medical Center (Douglas), Colquitt Regional Medical Center (Moultrie), Crisp Regional Hospital (Cordele), Donalsonville Hospital, Effingham Hospital — Springfield, Irwin County Hospital (Ocilla), Jasper Health Services Inc. (Monticello), John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital (Thomasville), Liberty Regional Medical Center (Hinesville), Miller County Hospital (Colquitt), Phoebe Sumter Medical Center (Americus), South Georgia Medical Center — Berrien Campus (Nashville/ Valdosta), South Georgia Medical Center — Lakeland Campus, Southeast Georgia Health System (St. Mary’s/Brunswick), Tift Regional Medical Center (Tifton), University Hospital McDuffie (Thomson) and WellStar Sylvan Grove Hospital (Jackson).

The Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit enables Georgia businesses and taxpayers to redirect their income tax liability to support qualified hospitals. Participation in the program is limited to Georgia rural hospitals that meet qualification criteria established by law.