The Habersham County Commission is extending a $1.5-million line of credit to keep the county’s hospital open.
The commission voted unanimously Monday night to allow Habersham Medical Center to draw on the line of credit to cover costs that allow the Demorest facility to continue operating.
Less money coming amid increased operating costs, including provider and supply costs, were cited as reasons for the hospital’s current financial struggles.
“This isn’t just a blank check, so to speak,” said Habersham County Commission Chairman Bruce Palmer. “It’s a line of credit and all the expenditures have to be approved by Habersham County.”
Palmer said keeping the hospital open is imperative for the community.
“The hospital is a life safety decision,” Palmer said. “Some folks if you had to transport them another 30 minutes down the road probably wouldn’t survive their illness or injuries.”
Additionally, Palmer said the hospital is even more essential this time of year.
“To me how ethical would it be to not do whatever we can do to keep it open,” Palmer said. “This is kind of the height of the flu season. There are cases of COVID in the hospital at Habersham right now.”
Palmer said RSV cases also are increasing, so
The previous line of credit extended by Habersham County Government expired in August 2022.
