Community Support Drives $1.4 Million in Georgia HEART Contributions to Phoebe Worth

PWMCSylvester, GA | March 10, 2026 – Community support through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program continues to strengthen Phoebe Worth Medical Center as statewide participation in the tax credit program accelerates significantly in the new year. As of early March, nearly $15 million in 2026 HEART (Helping Enhance Access to Rural Treatment) tax credits have already been claimed, putting the program 18% ahead of the same period last year across Georgia.

Phoebe Worth’s own HEART contribution history showcases this momentum. According to the hospital’s recent HEART Activity Report, total contributions for 2025 reached $1.447 million, up from $656,089 in 2023 and $1.137 million in 2024.

“The HEART program continues to be one of the most impactful tools supporting rural health in Georgia, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity of our contributors. These funds allow us to expand services, improve access, and invest in modern technology so families in our region can receive high‑quality, compassionate care close to home,” said Kim Gilman, Phoebe Worth Medical Center President. “As the 2026 program gains early momentum statewide, we encourage taxpayers to claim their credits now because every contribution strengthens rural healthcare.”

In 2025, Phoebe Worth used Georgia HEART contributions to pay for a new urgent care clinic at its Family Medicine Clinic in Sylvester as well as a new lab that will open soon at the hospital, improving Phoebe Worth’s ability to provide outpatient lab services. Equipment purchases funded by Georgia HEART in 2025 included new medical IV pumps in all patient rooms, a new ultrasound machine and new patient monitors for the emergency center.

The Georgia Department of Revenue’s updated 2026 payment deadlines offer taxpayers additional clarity for planning their contributions this year:

  • Approvals January–September: Payment is due within 180 days or by October 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
  • Approvals October–December: Payment is due by December 31, 2026.

These timelines provide flexibility while encouraging early participation, especially important in years like 2026, where statewide tax credit capacity may be reached sooner than expected.

Phoebe Worth Medical Center encourages taxpayers both new and returning to consider making their 2026 HEART contributions early to secure available tax credits and maximize their impact on local healthcare.

“This program, that supports rural hospitals like Phoebe Worth, allows taxpayers to claim a state income tax credit for the full amount of their contribution. Essentially, you’re able to direct your Georgia tax dollars to stay in our community to help ensure quality healthcare is available here,” Gilman said.

Individuals and businesses interested in participating in the 2026 program can learn more or begin the application process at www.georgiaheart.org.