Dear editor:
It was interesting to read Steve Hersey’s Letter to the Editor in the April 7 edition concerning Putnam General Hospital. Supporters of PGH appreciate Dr. Hersey’s advocating more people take advantage of the no-cost way of financially aiding PGH through use of the Georgia Heart program by designating PGH as the recipient of their Georgia Income Tax liability. Potential tax benefits can be even greater than those outlined in his Letter to the Editor. Call Alan Horton, PGH CEO, at (706) 923-2001 for more information.
Quoting Dr Hersey: “I have watched the Hospital struggle to achieve financial stability over the past 25 years”. As Paul Harvey would say, “And now for the rest of the story.”
What Dr. Hersey fails to say is that the first year (2013) he was BOC Chairman, the BOC cut PGH’s funding by $50,000 and the second year he was BOC Chairman and continuing for the subsequent six years Dr. Hersey was Chairman, BOC’s support for PGH was cut an additional $100,000 per year, while the total county budget increased. This BOC cutting of support became a significant portion of PGH’s debt and interest that was subsequently incurred, adding to the loss from unreimbursed expenses.
Apparently, Dr. Hersey had a change of heart, having received excellent care at PGH, along with hundreds of other Putnam County citizens. His letter was signed “Steve Hersey, PGH patient and supporter.” I am glad Dr. Hersey has finally seen the light.
Tom Thompson
Eatonton