MOULTRIE — Colquitt Regional Medical Center recently conducted a ribbon-cutting for the new Hufstetler Heart Center.

The Hufstetler Heart Center, formerly known as the Colquitt Regional Cardiology Department, is on the first floor of the hospital and is named after Steve and Teresa House Hufstetler, who made a generous contribution through the Georgia HEART Tax Credit program.

Georgia HEART is a program that allows taxpayers to redirect their state income tax dollars to rural hospitals throughout the state. The General Assembly passed the law in 2016 to assist rural hospitals in growth and to expand healthcare services during economic hardship.

The Hufstetlers were one of 227 Georgia taxpayers in 2019 to contribute to Colquitt Regional through Georgia HEART. Colquitt Regional received more than $3.3 million in donations through the tax credit program in 2019.

“We are so grateful to the Hufstetler family for their generous contribution to Colquitt Regional,” said Jim Matney, Colquitt Regional president and CEO. “The funds we receive through Georgia HEART are essential to our growth. It will significantly aid in the addition of radiation oncology treatments, future plans for a new education and training center, and uncompensated patient care.”

Hufstetler, a Thomas County resident and Moultrie native, decided to donate to Colquitt Regional through the program after a recent cardiac episode. Through his experience, Hufstetler saw the importance of providing access to cardiac services for the community and the surrounding areas.

“I have seen firsthand the importance of first-class cardiac care, and that is exactly what Colquitt Regional Medical Center provides,” said Hufstetler. “As someone who grew up in Moultrie, I know the impact that this hospital has on the community and we are proud to give to an organization that is committed to making a difference.”

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, claiming about 647,000 deaths in America each year.

The newly-named Hufstetler Heart Center is home to the latest technology in the fight against cardiovascular disease, such as a state-of-the-art cath lab, tilt table testing, peripheral angiography testing, and ankle brachial index testing.

There are two board-certified cardiologists who practice exclusively at Colquitt Regional, Dr. Lawrence Ukpong, and Dr. Pallavi Luthra. Practicing alongside Ukpong and Luthra are Julie Posey, NP-C, and Ben McLeod, FNP-C.

“We have already seen several lives saved by the calcium scoring test,” said Maureen A. Yearta, Ed.D., Hospital Authority chairman. “We are urging any male who is 45 years or older, any female who is 55 years or older, or anyone who has a family history of heart disease to have this test to detect and manage symptoms of cardiac disease.”

For more information on how to redirect a Georgia tax liability to Colquitt Regional through Georgia HEART, contact Nicole Gilbert at (229) 890-3416. For information on the coronary calcium scoring test, please contact the Hufstetler Heart Center at (229) 891-9060.

Colquitt Regional is a 99-bed teaching hospital located in Moultrie, Georgia. With more than 90 providers, more than 30 specialties and 1,350 employees, Colquitt Regional is committed to providing exceptional health care that exceeds expectations for Colquitt County and the surrounding areas.