What does healthcare look like in rural Georgia? A new documentary is taking a closer look at that question — highlighting both the challenges facing rural communities and the people working to ensure excellent healthcare is available close to home.
“Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” explores the significant healthcare disparities facing rural Georgia, including provider shortages, hospital closures, chronic disease and barriers such as transportation and insurance gaps. The film also highlights innovative approaches and partnerships working to strengthen rural healthcare and improve access to needed care across the state.
Coffee Regional Medical Center’s own Justin Peterson, MD, OB-GYN, is featured in the documentary, bringing a local perspective to the story of rural healthcare in Georgia. Dr. Peterson is a native of Coffee County, a Mercer University School of Medicine alumnus and preceptor, who practices OB-GYN at CRH Women’s Center. He has dedicated his career to strengthening rural women’s healthcare while providing specialized OB-GYN care to patients throughout Coffee County and across Southeast Georgia.
The film also brings the story home in a special way, with the beautiful city of Broxton and Coffee Regional Medical Center featured in the documentary. The inclusion of Broxton provides a glimpse of the people and places that make rural communities like ours unique and reinforces the importance of preserving access to essential services — including maternity care — close to home.
A special community screening of “Georgia Rising” will take place Wednesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. at the Douglass Theatre in Macon as part of the Macon Film Festival. The evening will include a screening of the documentary followed by a community conversation featuring individuals connected to the film. Dr. Peterson will participate as a panelist, sharing his perspective as a rural OB-GYN and physician serving his hometown community.
For those unable to attend the community screening, the documentary will premiere on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) on Monday, August 24, at 9 p.m.
“We are proud that Dr. Peterson is part of this important documentary representing Coffee County and rural healthcare,” said Vicki Lewis, President and CEO of Coffee Regional Medical Center. “Access to outstanding healthcare close to home is something our team works toward every day, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help shine a light on the importance of rural healthcare and the communities we serve.”
The documentary provides an opportunity for viewers to better understand the unique healthcare challenges rural communities face while learning about the physicians, healthcare organizations and community leaders working to find solutions.
“We encourage our community to watch the documentary and learn more about the story of rural healthcare in Georgia — we believe that you will be proud of the medical professionals and communities represented,” Lewis said.
Watch the trailer and learn more about “Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” at: www.garisingmovie.com
Mark Your Calendar
Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story
Monday, August 24, 2026 | 9 p.m.
Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
Community Screening:
Wednesday, August 19 | 7 p.m.
The Douglass Theatre | Macon, Georgia
Dr. Justin Peterson will participate as a panelist following the screening.
