Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story

“Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” highlights the challenges, innovation and resilience shaping rural healthcare in Georgia.

Funded by Mercer University School of Medicine’s Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, “Georgia Rising” follows medical providers and their creative approaches to delivering care in underserved communities.

Georgia has 159 counties, the second most in the country behind Texas. Of these, 120, or 75%, are considered rural under the State Office of Rural Health’s definition of a county with a population of fewer than 50,000.

Unlike in metropolitan areas, access to healthcare can be daunting for rural families. Transportation barriers, insurance gaps and financial hardships pose significant challenges. Hospital closures, provider shortages and higher rates of chronic disease in these communities add layers of complexity.

The realities explored in “Georgia Rising” are noteworthy, but more importantly, the film honors the people and partnerships working to implement solutions.

Through firsthand stories of those leading the charge in strengthening rural healthcare, reducing health disparities and building resilience, “Georgia Rising” reshapes a narrative so often focused on alarming statistics and an all-hope-is-lost sentiment.

Featured in Georgia Rising:

Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal: A Mercer Double Bear who was raised in Sandersville in Washington County.
Jean R. Sumner, M.D.: A third-generation Georgia physician, a graduate of the first Mercer University School of Medicine class and current dean.
Justin Peterson, M.D.: A School of Medicine graduate and preceptor who is an OB-GYN practicing in his hometown in Coffee County.
Keisha Callins, M.D.: A School of Medicine professor and preceptor who serves Jones and Twiggs counties as an OB-GYN.
Angela Handley: CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital and a nurse by training.
Garrett Streat, Pharm.D.: A School of Medicine medical student, Nathan Deal Scholar and pharmacist.

“Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” was produced and directed by accomplished filmmaker and documentarian Tabitha Walker of Big Hair Productions. Emmy and Telly Award-winner Larry D. Brumley served as executive producer.

Watch the Trailer

In the News

‘Georgia Rising’ draws near-capacity crowd at Macon Film Festival, will air on GPB

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