Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center Mercer University School of Medicine

01/02/2026

GRHIC, Mercer University School of Medicine, and the CWC Alliance have been working together to combat the opioid epidemic affecting rural communities in Georgia. The Macon Melody featured CWC Alliance Founder and CEO Cammie Wolf Rice and the Life Care Specialist program. Click the article to read more.

More Resources:

WATCH: 2025 Prescription for Prevention Conference – Opioid Misuse in Rural Georgia
➡️ https://garuralhealth.link/OpioidConference

READ: Life Care Specialist Program Debuts in Rural Georgia Hospitals
➡️ https://garuralhealth.link/LCS

A Georgia mother turned loss into change with her organization, Christopher Wolf Crusade.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Cheers to fresh beginnings, new adventures, and exciting opportunities ahead.

12/31/2025

As the new year approaches, GRHIC is looking back on a rewarding year of meaningful work across rural Georgia. We were proud to collaborate with dedicated rural physicians, hospitals, health care providers and community members throughout the year. Together, these efforts strengthened local health care teams and improved outcomes for the communities they serve. We look forward to the fun and exciting things ahead in 2026!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! GRHIC wishes you a joyful, fun-filled day that’s merry and bright.

12/24/2025

12/24/2025

Happy holidays! Our office is closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Thursday, January 1.

12/19/2025

For Rural December 2025 Issue: https://garuralhealth.link/DEC2025

12/19/2025

Congratulations to Mercer School of Medicine Dean Jean R Sumner, MD, MACP! She received the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Bibb County Medical Society.

12/17/2025

📣LISTEN UP: Rural Georgia Voices Podcast | Season 1 Episode 6

In our final episode of this season, we explore how rural and urban health care teams work together to save stroke patients when every minute counts. GRHIC Executive Director Glenda Grant, MBA, talks with Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner, MD, MACP, and neurointerventional surgeon Sourabh Lahoti, MD, about how early recognition, rapid transfer, and strong partnerships can transform stroke care across Georgia.

🎙️Website: https://garuralhealth.link/RuralGeorgiaVoices
🎙️Spotify: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-spotify
🎙️Amazon Music: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-amazon
🎙️Apple Podcast: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-apple

12/16/2025

Last week, staff from rural hospital emergency departments participating in KidsABC attended a training day at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. These sessions provide staff with critical resources and education to enhance emergency pediatric care in their communities. The day concluded with a tour of the Arthur M. Blank Emergency Department.

Hospitals in attendance were Elbert Memorial Hospital, Liberty Regional Medical Center, Stephens County Hospital and Warm Springs Medical Center.

12/10/2025

📣LISTEN UP: Rural Georgia Voices Podcast | Season 1 Episode 5

In this episode, we’re focusing on women’s health in a rural community. GRHIC Executive Director Glenda Grant, MBA, is joined by Justin Peterson, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist and an alum of Mercer University School of Medicine. Dr. Peterson always knew he was called to serve in his hometown of Douglas, Georgia. He reflects on his rural upbringing, the mentors who shaped his path into women’s health, and the deep sense of ministry he feels in serving women and families in the community that raised him.

🎙️Website: https://garuralhealth.link/RuralGeorgiaVoices
🎙️Spotify: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-spotify
🎙️Amazon Music: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-amazon
🎙️Apple Podcast: https://garuralhealth.link/podcast-apple

Coffee Regional Medical Center | CRH Women's Center

12/09/2025

The Colquitt Regional Medical Center Emergency Department was recognized for its commitment to strengthening pediatric emergency care in Colquitt County during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 8. Colquitt Regional was celebrated for reaching key milestones as a participating hospital in the Kids Alliance for Better Care (KidsABC). Established in 2023, the alliance is a collaboration between Mercer University School of Medicine, its Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Healthy hometowns start with healthy kids!

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The Colquitt Regional Medical Center Emergency Department was recognized for its commitment to strengthening pediatric emergency care in Colquitt County during a Dec. 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony.