Colquitt Regional recently held a ribbon cutting for the new Hufstetler Heart Center.
The Hufstetler Heart Center, formerly known as the Colquitt Regional Cardiology department, is located on the first floor of the hospital and is named after Steve and Teresa 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 Georgia General Assembly passed this law in 2016 to assist rural hospitals in their growth and 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 over $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 Moultrie native, decided to donate to Colquitt Regional through this 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.
Colquitt Regional also recently implemented a new heart health initiative to help promote awareness and prevention. This program focuses on coronary calcium scoring, a non-invasive, 15-minute test to check for the presence of calcium in the coronary arteries before a person develops symptoms of heart disease.
The calcium scoring test is now available at a reduced price of $99, requires no order from a physician and no appointment is necessary.
To have the calcium scoring test performed, go to the outpatient desk at Colquitt Regional and sign in, specifying that is the reason for the visit. Payment is due upon registration and covers the cost of the test and the radiologist’s reading fee.
“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 over 90 providers, more than 30 specialties and 1,350 employees, Colquitt Regional is committed to providing exceptional healthcare that exceeds expectations for Colquitt County and the surrounding areas.
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