Coffee Regional Medical Center and the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) are proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. This annual observance, coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) since 2011, is held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the remarkable resilience and unique healthcare challenges of rural hospitals and healthcare professionals across the country as they work to provide high-quality healthcare to 61 million rural Americans.
Georgia’s rural hospitals and health systems provide not only critical care but also serve as major employers and economic anchors. According to GHA’s most recent economic impact data, Georgia’s rural hospitals generate $8.6 billion in economic impact statewide and support more than 42,000 jobs, including nearly 21,000 direct hospital jobs. This update is based on 2023 data and uses modeling from IMPLAN®, an independent third party.
“Rural communities are the heart of Georgia, and ensuring their access to high-quality healthcare is vital to the health of our entire state,” said GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “National Rural Health Day is a great opportunity to thank and support our rural hospitals and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide care to their communities.
“Serving rural South Georgia is both our mission and our honor,” said Vicki Lewis, President and CEO of Coffee Regional. “At Coffee Regional Medical Center, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional care and wellness close to home. National Rural Health Day shines a light on the resilience of rural healthcare providers, and we are proud to be part of that story.”
Individuals and businesses can celebrate National Rural Health Day by making a lasting impact close to home. The Georgia HEART Hospital Program allows Georgians to redirect a portion of their state income tax to support rural hospitals, strengthening access to care. Learn more at georgiaheart.org.
For more information about National Rural Health Day and how to get involved, visit PowerOfRural.org.