Senators Rev. Warnock, Ossoff Upgrading Rural Health Care Across Southwest Georgia

Ocilla, Ga. - U.S. Senators Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced new resources to upgrade rural health care across Southwest Georgia.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver health care upgrades for Southwest Georgia communities, including Federal funding to upgrade hospital infrastructure in Crisp County, deliver a new MRI machine to Irwin County, fund a new CT Scanner, mammogram machine, and ambulance in Clinch County, and purchase new medical equipment for maternal and neonatal care in Valdosta.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock delivering funding for the projects through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.

"There's no worse nightmare for any family than having a loved one who's sick, but who cannot get the health care they need," Sen. Ossoff said. "That's why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen health care services for Georgia families."

"I've long fought to strengthen health care in rural Georgia, and I am proud to have worked alongside Senator Ossoff to secure federal funding for these vital resources across Southwest Georgia," said Senator Warnock.

Please find a summary of projects for which Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are delivering funding below.

• OCILLA: Irwin County Hospital ($1,450,000): Irwin County Hospital will use the Federal funding to help purchase a new MRI machine and conduct key upgrades to the hospital facility, including HVAC system replacements and new security upgrades.

• VALDOSTA: SGMC Health ($1,581,000): SGMC Health will use the Federal funding for their new Women and Infants Tower, specifically to purchase medical equipment to expand access to maternal and infant care for families across South Georgia.

• CORDELE: Crisp Regional Hospital ($1,000,000): Crisp Regional Hospital will use the Federal funding to help conduct key infrastructure improvements and patient safety upgrades to its facility, including boiler replacements for hot water, steam sterilization, environmental control, and updates to the fire alarm systems and cooling towers.

• HOMERVILLE: Clinch Memorial Hospital ($450,000): Clinch Memorial Hospital will use the Federal funding to purchase a new CT scanner and mammogram machine to strengthen their radiology Department and to purchase a dedicated hospital-owned ambulance for non-emergency medical transport.

"The Irwin County Hospital is grateful for Senators Warnock and Ossoff's work to secure important funding for our hospital. The hospital not only provides access to healthcare for the region but is also a major employer and important economic driver in Irwin County. The Senators and their teams have been extraordinary in their attention and understanding of our needs, and the needs of rural hospitals generally. Irwin County values the ability to seek assistance from our Washington representatives for critical community projects," said Walter Hudson, Chairman, Irwin County Hospital Authority.

"This significant investment allows us to further strengthen the care we provide to our tiniest patients and their families. This funding directly supports the development of our new Women and Infants Tower, slated to open in January 2027, and reflects our long-term commitment to advancing safety, comfort, and access to exceptional care close to home. These enhancements will ensure that mothers and babies across South Georgia receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve-today and for generations to come," said Cherise Giddens, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, SGMC Health.

"Clinch Memorial Hospital is grateful for the leadership of Georgia's Congressional Delegation in supporting rural healthcare across our state. We are especially appreciative of Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who championed our federal funding request and worked directly on behalf of our hospital and community. We are thrilled to announce that Clinch Memorial Hospital has been selected to receive federal funding for a new CT scanner, a state-of-the-art 3D mammography machine, and expanded non-emergency transport resources. This investment represents a transformational moment for our hospital and the people we serve. As a small rural hospital, acquiring advanced medical equipment of this caliber would not be possible through our operating budget alone," said Angela Handley, CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital. "Senators Ossoff and Warnock's advocacy was instrumental in ensuring our funding request received full consideration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These upgrades will significantly expand the level of care available in Clinch County and surrounding areas. Access to timely imaging, early detection through advanced mammography, and reliable non-emergency transportation is essential for improving health outcomes, particularly in rural areas where patients often face long travel distances for essential medical services. With this investment, Clinch Memorial Hospital will be able to provide diagnostic and transport capabilities comparable to those found in larger health systems. We remain committed to delivering exceptional care close to home, and this funding helps ensure our patients have access to the tools and technology they deserve. We are thankful for Senators Ossoff and Warnock and the positive impact this support will have on the health and well-being of our community for years to come."

"On behalf of Crisp Regional Hospital, we thank Senators Ossoff and Warnock for their support in making critical infrastructure and patient safety improvements, assuring that people of this region will continue to have access to quality emergency and trauma care close to their homes," said Steven Gautney on behalf of the Crisp Regional Hospital Board. "With this support, Crisp Regional Hospital can continue to serve as an economic cornerstone of the community, providing compassionate, high-quality medical care while fostering a safer and more effective healthcare environment for both patients and staff."

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