ARLINGTON, GA (WALB) -
Calhoun County has a hospital, but officials worry that it won't be here much longer.
Calhoun is one of the smallest counties in Georgia, with an 18% unemployment rate, and about 29% of its residents living below the poverty level.
Calhoun Memorial Hospital serves all of these people, which is why their indigent care averages up to $2,000,000 each year.
"In south Georgia where we find a higher unemployment rate and lower per capita, income per family, which means there is more needy people for services," said Earl Whiteley, hospital authority CEO.
That, along with new Medicare and Medicaid laws and cuts, the hospital is in a financial bind that threatens it's future.
"It is hand to mouth, day to day, week to week, if the volume doesn't pick up this fall then we and several other hospitals are in danger of closing," said Whiteley.
If they had to close its doors, it would be catastrophic for Calhoun County's economy.
"In terms of the economic impact, it is close to $14 million loss to the community, it would be a devastating blow," said Whiteley.
Not only would 200 people be out of a job, but emergency healthcare would be an hour away.
"lf your in the middle of having a heart attack, and this hospital is not here to save you, will you make that hour drive?" said Denise Stewart, hospital business office director.
"People will have to drive longer and that golden half hour will be lost in terms of life threatening issues," Whiteley said.
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