Lavonia, GA — St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital and the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) were proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Thursday, Nov. 20.
This annual observance, coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) since 2011, is held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the remarkable resilience and unique healthcare challenges of rural hospitals and healthcare professionals across the country as they work to provide high-quality healthcare to 61 million rural Americans.
Georgia’s rural hospitals and health systems provide not only critical care but also serve as major employers and economic anchors. According to GHA’s most recent economic impact data, Georgia’s rural hospitals generate $8.6 billion in economic impact statewide and support more than 42,000 jobs, including nearly 21,000 direct hospital jobs. This update is based on 2023 data and uses modeling from IMPLAN®, an independent third party.
“Rural communities are the heart of Georgia, and ensuring their access to high-quality healthcare is vital to the health of our entire state,” said GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “National Rural Health Day is a great opportunity to thank and support our rural hospitals and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide care to their communities.”
“As a mission-driven Catholic healthcare ministry, St. Mary’s serves as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities, including the greater Lavonia area and many other rural areas that depend on us for care,” said Stonish Pierce, President and CEO of Trinity Health Georgia, which includes Sacred Heart Hospital. “Local, high-quality health services are vital not only to the well-being of individuals and families, but to the health and vitality of the whole community. We are proud to serve all the people of our area with excellence, reverence, and compassion.”
Individuals and businesses can celebrate National Rural Health Day by making a lasting impact close to home. The Georgia HEART Hospital Program allows Georgians to redirect a portion of their state income tax to support rural hospitals, strengthening access to care. Learn more at georgiaheart.org.
For more information about National Rural Health Day and how to get involved, visit PowerOfRural.org.
About St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital
St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital is a faith-based, not-for-profit community hospital serving the greater Franklin County area. As part of St. Mary’s Health Care System and Trinity Health Georgia, its mission is to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence within the community. Sacred Heart Hospital provides emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, critical care, surgical services, inpatient dialysis, wound care, medical detox, and a wellness center. www.stmarys-health.org.
About GHA
Founded in 1929, GHA serves more than 150 Georgia hospitals and works to shape a healthier Georgia by serving as the leading advocate and supporter for all Georgia hospitals and health systems. For more information, call 770-249-4500 or visit gha.org.
