Exchange Bank recently donated $25,000 to Putnam General Hospital through the Georgia Rural Healthcare Organization Tax Credit Program Helping Enhance Access Rural Treatment (HEART).

Exchange Bank recently provided Putnam General Hospital (PGH) with a $25,000 check to help offset losses incurred by poverty-stricken patients. Exchange Bank contributed to PGH through the Georgia Rural Healthcare Organization Tax Credit Program Helping Enhance Access Rural Treatment (HEART). The Georgia HEART program was created in 2016 due to the increasing number of rural hospital closures since 2008.

Financial challenges and reductions in reimbursements have had a significant impact on rural hospitals. The Georgia HEART program was developed to help hospitals in growth and expand health care services despite the continued economic hardship. Exchange Bank was one of 70 Georgia taxpayers in 2022 that redirected their Georgia Income tax liability to help support PGH.

“Our generous and loyal donors sustain us and allow us to purchase sophisticated equipment, recruit physicians, retain quality staff and facilitate our ability to truly care for our community. Organizations like Exchange Bank make a huge impact on our hospital’s ability to grow and enhance healthcare for not only Eatonton, but surrounding counties and all that pass through. My staff and I are grateful for this gift from Exchange Bank and we are proud to work with other strong community supporters,” said Putnam General CEO Alan Horton.

“The Georgia HEART Hospital Program is a wonderful opportunity for Exchange Bank to make a meaningful difference by supporting our rural hospitals. By redirecting a portion of our state income tax liability directly to our rural hospitals, we can see the impact it has in making a difference in the lives of our families, customers, friends and communities,” said John Childs, president & CEO of Exchange Bank.

Georgia HEART allows taxpayers to make contributions in exchange for 100% state tax income credit, up to specified limits, to qualified rural hospitals of their choice. C-Corporations and Pass-thru Entity business owners who participate may also qualify for an additional federal business expense deduction.

Visit www.georgiaheart.org to take advantage of this opportunity – it’s a required expenditure anyway – and support a rural hospital. For more information email Tracy Stickley at tstickley@putnamgeneral.com or call 706-923-2028.