Phoebe Sumter Earns $1.3 Million in 2025 Georgia HEART Support

PSMCAmericus, GA | March 10, 2026 – Phoebe Sumter Medical Center continues to utilize the Georgia HEART Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program to enhance healthcare for residents in and around Sumter County. Statewide, donor participation remains strong and 2026 activity is accelerating. As of early March, nearly $15 million in HEART tax credits for 2026 have already been claimed across Georgia, a pace that is 18% ahead of the same time last year.

Phoebe Sumter’s 2025 annual HEART report reflects another year of meaningful growth and community support. The hospital received $1,358,074 in 2025 contributions. These funds continue to support essential services, technology upgrades, provider recruitment, and community health programs that directly benefit patients throughout the region. The hospital has seen particularly strong donor engagement over the past several years, including more than $2 million in contributions during 2023, its highest total on record.

“The beauty of this program is that it allows Georgia taxpayers to choose where their tax money is spent. Taxpayers can receive a full state income tax credit by participating in the program and can direct their tax money to support our efforts at Phoebe Sumter to ensure they have access to the advanced care they need, right here at home,” said Carlyle Walton, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center President.

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.

With statewide demand for HEART tax credits trending higher, Phoebe Sumter encourages donors to act early to secure their 2026 contributions.

“Our community’s generosity continues to strengthen Phoebe Sumter’s ability to provide high‑quality, accessible care for every family we serve. The HEART program remains one of the most effective ways for Georgians to directly invest in rural healthcare. With participation running well ahead of last year, we encourage donors to secure their 2026 tax credits as early as possible. We thank the Georgia Legislature for authorizing this annual opportunity through 2029,” Walton said.

In 2025, Phoebe Sumter’s orthopaedic surgeons began using an advanced Mako 4 SmartRobotics system for total knee and hip transplants. That $900,000 investment in robotic surgery technology was paid for through the state tax credit program. Georgia HEART contributions also paid for other healthcare enhancements at Phoebe Sumter last year, including three beds for bariatric patients and automated external defibrillators placed in locations throughout the community.

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