You or your business can now get a tax credit while supporting your local hospital and health system at the same time, thanks to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin qualifying for Georgia’s rural hospital tax credit program.
This program, also known as Georgia HEART, was established to help rural and critical access hospitals increase their funding and ability to provide care.
“A program like this is vital, especially when so many people are relying on rural hospitals across the state that are struggling or already closing their doors,” says Sonja McLendon, interim president of NGMC Lumpkin. “Northeast Georgia Health System has worked for years to preserve local access to hospital care for Lumpkin County, and this tax credit program has the potential to be a win-win for helping us enhance services and letting local taxpayers decide where their dollars go.”
From January to June, individuals can apply for tax credit up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for married couples or even more for businesses. Starting May 16, Georgia HEART will begin accepting applications for unlimited contributions – which will be awarded on July 1 while tax credits last. Dollars directed to NGMC Lumpkin will go directly to support services and enhancements at the hospital.
“The program’s leaders tell us they expect these tax credits to go extremely fast, so it will be important for people to be ready to apply now for the limited contributions or on May 16 for the unlimited contributions,” says McLendon. “If you’re interested but aren’t sure what next step is right for you, just ask whoever prepares your taxes.”
Individuals and businesses paying Georgia income taxes are eligible to receive a 100% state income tax credit designating those dollars to NGMC Lumpkin through the program. Learn more and apply today at georgiaheart.org.
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) plans to break ground later this year on a future campus of NGMC Lumpkin along GA-400. The move will mean easier access for more people commuting along the busy highway, especially for 24/7/365 emergency care. The future campus is also planned to provide inpatient care, imaging, a focus on outpatient surgeries and more. Learn more about the plans and other expansion projects at nghs.com/growing.
About Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega, the four NGMC campuses have a total of more than 750 beds and more than 1,200 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than one million people across more than 19 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.