Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story highlights the significant health disparities in rural Georgia, marked by hospital closures, provider shortages, and higher rates of chronic disease. It also showcases innovative solutions like tele-health, community health centers (FQHCs), and state tax credits, with organizations like the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University and the Georgia Heart Hospital Program working to build resilience and improve access for underserved communities facing challenges like transportation and insurance gaps. 

Details:
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The Douglass Theatre
The event begins at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30pm). Join us for an orange carpet event before the screening begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. 

Panelists:

  • Jean R. Sumner, MD, MACP, Mercer University School of Medicine Dean
  • Angela Handley, Clinch Memorial Hospital CEO
  • Keisha Callins, MD, Mercer University School of Medicine Professor and Preceptor, Rural OB-GYN in Jones County and Twiggs County
  • Justin Peterson, MD, Mercer University School of Medicine Alumnus and Preceptor, Rural OB-GYN in Coffee County
  • Garrett Streat, PharmD, Mercer University School of Medicine MD Student (Class of 2028) and Nathan Deal Scholar

Accessibility: If you have specific accessibility needs, please fill out this form or contact Christian Stegall at [email protected].