Jackson EMC (JEMC), using unclaimed refunds, recently donated $150,000 to support a number of healthcare projects with the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), including creating the region’s first Hospice House and building a new hospital in Lumpkin County.
The Jackson EMC Community Room at the newly opened North Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin will be used as a collaborative space for learning. It marks more than two decades of investment in healthcare between the community-focused electric cooperative and the healthcare network. This commitment has supported projects such as NGMC hospitals in Braselton and Dahlonega, Georgia Heart Institute enhancements, the growth of the NGMC Graduate Medical Education program, and other health initiatives serving the area.
“Access to care has become increasingly difficult as our community grows. These investments aim to provide exceptional facilities for our members and the communities we serve,” said Chip Jakins, Jackson EMC President and CEO. “NGMC provides great care for our community, and we’re proud to partner with them to provide the services that are needed.”
“We know Jackson EMC cares deeply about this region,” said Carol Burrell, President and CEO of NGHS. “That’s evident in the way they continue to find ways to invest in the community. We’re lucky to have them as one of our transformational donors and appreciate their partnership in growing the greater good.”
Jackson EMC has been the premiere sponsor of the Laurel Classic—now called the Cheryl Shippey Memorial Golf Tournament—since its start.
The Jackson EMC donation was made possible using margin refunds that have been unclaimed by the electric cooperative’s members for five years. Legislation passed in 2005 permits Georgia electric cooperatives to make charitable, education and economic development contributions of unclaimed margin refunds.