Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story, a powerful new film highlighting the challenges facing rural healthcare and the people working to address them, premieres tonight at 9 pm on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB).
The film explores the realities facing rural communities across Georgia, including hospital closures, healthcare provider shortages, chronic disease, and barriers to accessing care. It also shares a story of hope, highlighting innovative solutions and the physicians, hospital leaders, educators and policymakers working to strengthen rural healthcare throughout the state.
Among those featured in the film are former Governor Nathan Deal and rural healthcare leaders Dr. Jean Sumner, Angela Handley, Dr. Keisha Callins, Dr. Justin Peterson and Garrett Streat, who joined a panel discussion following the film’s August 19th premiere at the Douglass Theatre in Macon.
Importantly, Georgia Rising gives viewers a way to respond to what they see on screen by encouraging participation in the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. Through HEART, Georgia taxpayers can receive a state income tax credit for contributions to eligible rural hospitals, providing those hospitals with critical resources to strengthen care in the communities they serve.
“The rural hospital leaders and health care service providers featured in Georgia Rising evidence the dedication, compassion, and perseverance that are the hallmark of rural Georgia citizens and their communities,” observed Jim Kelly, the Founder and General Counsel of Georgia HEART, who attended the movie premiere. “We are honored to serve as the steward of the Georgia income tax credit program that Helps Enhance Access to Rural Treatment (“HEART”).
Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story airs tonight, Monday, August 24th, at 9 pm on GPB. The film will also be available to stream beginning Monday evening through GPB via the PBS website. Viewers inspired by the film’s call to action can learn more about participating in Georgia HEART at www.georgiaheart.org.
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About Georgia HEART
The Georgia HEART Hospital Program supports qualified rural hospitals by increasing awareness of and participation in Georgia’s Rural Hospital Tax Credit. The program allows Georgia taxpayers to receive a 100% state income tax credit for contributions to eligible rural hospitals, helping to strengthen healthcare access for communities across rural Georgia.