Effingham County Commission Chairman Wesley Corbitt put a personal spin on a special check presentation this past week. He shared with those gathered three times when Effingham Health System has been there for him during major medical emergencies or to treat seriously ill family members. His heartfelt stories add relevance to Vulcan Materials’ presentation of a $250,000 check to Effingham Health System. The check represents the largest single-year donation Effingham Health System has received through the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Incentive program and Georgia HEART, which administers the program.
Carol Landrum, Manager of Community & Government Relations for Vulcan Materials Company, made the check presentation, sharing, “At Vulcan Materials Company, we have a mantra – The Vulcan Way – which means doing the RIGHT thing, the RIGHT way, at the RIGHT time. Supporting Effingham Health System’s vision of keeping care close to home is the right thing to do, and we are proud to have played a part.” Ms. Landrum continued, “On behalf of Vulcan Materials Company, we are honored to present a $250,000 contribution to EffinghamHealth System.”
In accepting the check for Effingham Health System, Dr. Fran Witt, President and CEO, shared that she sees this as a historical moment. “Vulcan Materials, your generosity certainly raises the bar and sets precedence. It is my desire that your donation will inspire other businesses to take advantage of the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit program. I hope they will also invest in improving access to healthcare and expanding healthcare services to meet Effingham County’s and the region’s fast-growing needs.”
Stephanie Johnson, a member of the Effingham Health System Board of Directors, shared a heartfelt thank you from the Board and the community with the Vulcan team in attendance. Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates. They operate two sales yard sites in Effingham County – Rincon and Springfield. Representatives of those two sites’ operations and sales teams were also in attendance.
Both Chairman Corbitt and County Commissioner Jaime DeLoach, also Vice Chairman of the EHS Foundation, spoke to the county’s anticipated growth and the importance of growing the healthcare infrastructure to meet those needs.
The donation from Vulcan Materials Company will help support Effingham Health System (EHS) Foundation’s “Keeping Quality Care Close to Home” capital campaign and its three priorities: further expanding the new pediatric center, cancer care, and senior care.
For persons not familiar with Georgia’s 100% Rural Hospital Tax Credit, it is a painless way to ensure your state taxes go to support the growth of healthcare in Effingham County. Both individuals and businesses can take advantage of the tax credit. Some corporations and pass-through entities may also be able to take it off as an ordinary business expense, making it good business to donate to our local hospital.
After the event, Effingham Health System hosted a hospital tour and lunch for guests.
For more information about the Georgia HEART program, visit georgiaheart.org or call the Effingham Health Foundation at 912-754-7565.