Higgins General Hospital has received the 2026 Georgia HEART Leadership Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to improving access to quality health care in rural Georgia through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program.

Presented annually, the Georgia HEART Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership, engagement, advocacy and impact in advancing the mission of the Georgia HEART Hospital Program. All participating Georgia HEART hospitals were eligible for consideration, and Higgins General Hospital was the sole recipient of the 2026 award. The hospital earned this year's honor by combining a major fundraising milestone with exceptional advocacy, actively championing the program, supporting its growth and helping share the HEART story through a featured news segment that raised awareness and inspired others to get involved.

The Georgia HEART Hospital Program allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income tax liability to qualifying rural hospitals. These contributions provide rural hospitals with critical funding to expand services, invest in new technology, recruit providers and enhance patient care.

"Higgins General Hospital is honored to receive this recognition," said Carol Crews, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Tanner Health. "The Georgia HEART program has made a meaningful difference for this hospital and the communities we serve by providing critical resources that allow us to continue investing in high-quality care close to home. We're incredibly grateful to the individuals and businesses whose support through Georgia HEART has helped make this possible."

Since the the Georgia HEART Hospital Program began in 2017, Higgins General Hospital has received more than $19.2 million in contributions that have strengthened healthcare services throughout Haralson County and the surrounding region. Recent investments include funding for Tanner Health’s mobile mammography unit, Mammo on the Move, which brings lifesaving breast cancer and bone density screenings directly to communities across the region, as well as plans for a new medical office building in Bremen that will expand access to primary care. These initiatives reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to care and ensuring patients can access high-quality services close to home.

The hospital's success through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program reflects the generosity of individual contributors, families, businesses and long-time community partners who have invested in improving access to local health care. Their continued support has helped Higgins General Hospital strengthen services, invest in the future of health care in Haralson County and improve the health of the region for years to come.

In 2025, Higgins General Hospital reached $4 million in Georgia HEART contributions, the maximum one hospital can receive in a single year under the legislation governing the tax credit program. The milestone reflects sustained community support and has translated into meaningful resources that help the hospital enhance services for the patients and communities it serves. 

"Higgins General Hospital exemplifies what it means to be a Georgia HEART leader," said Ben Saylor, CEO of Georgia HEART. "Their commitment to engaging donors, championing the program, and sharing its impact has helped strengthen not only their hospital but also awareness of the Georgia HEART mission across the state. We are pleased to recognize Higgins General Hospital with the 2026 HEART Leadership Award."

To learn more about supporting Higgins General Hospital through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, visit Tanner Health Foundation.org.