Why Give?

Why should I support our Foundation?

Healthcare has changed a lot in the last twenty years, and with advanced technology we can do more to help people than we ever could before. People today also live longer and are usually dealing with major health issues when they end up in the hospital. These two things, more advanced care and sicker patients, means the cost of caring for our community has increased significantly.

Medicaid and Medicare programs that "pay back" the hospital for providing care haven't kept up with these rising costs. These programs have drastically cut what they pay the hospital for health care services. In addition, private insurance companies have also had to reduce reimbursements. As a result, many hospitals may not receive full reimbursement for the actual costs in providing medical attention.

At the same time, hospitals try to make healthcare available to all people. Since a large part of Hutcheson Medical Center's service area is rural, access to care is especially difficult. People who are in need of care may live far away from the hospital, and we find new ways to provide for their medical needs, such as creating clinics or mobile care programs.

Hutcheson Medical Center also cares for the less fortunate people who need medical care but are unable to cover the expense. Many of these people are the "working poor." They earn too much to get help from federal assistance programs like Medicaid, but they don't make enough to afford health insurance. Last year Hutcheson gave more than $13 million in free medical care to those in need.

Because of these reasons and other factors, most hospitals in today’s market have about a one percent operating margin. This means that a lot of communities have had to step forward to help their community hospitals invest in new technology, new programs and community outreach.

That's why Hutcheson Health Foundation partners with the people of our community, so we can continue helping our less fortunate neighbors without compromising our ability to provide the best care possible for the entire community.

Your support of the hospital helps ensure that your hospital can provide the best care possible to you, your loved ones and your neighbors, here at home in North Georgia. Your support also helps us to continue to reach into the community to provide wellness, education, support and prevention programs. You are an important part of helping us to continue providing the quality of care expected at the Hutcheson Medical Center.

To learn more about how you can help, click here.