Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis has reached the $750,000 threshold for donations as part of the state’s new Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program.
The tax incentive program opened on Jan. 5 and gave 50 rural hospitals across Alabama the chance to raise up to $750,000 from individuals, industries and businesses to support needs and better serve their markets.
The legislature gave an annual statewide cap of $20 million for 2026, so not every hospital will get the full $750,000 if the cap is met before they can reach it, so the race started when the donation doors opened 10 days ago.
Whitfield says they have reached the $750,000 max, which was bolstered by a $300,000 donation from Robertson Bank announced Jan. 13 among other donations from local industries.
“We’re grateful to Robertson Banking Company for their meaningful support of Whitfield Regional Hospital through the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program,” Whitfield said in their social media post. “Your commitment makes a real difference in strengthening the healthcare in our community.”
Robertson Bank said they were "excited to participate in the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program and proud to stand behind Whitfield Regional Hospital."
The Black Belt News Network reported in November that many Black Belt hospitals had already started making the pitch to supporters to participate in the new Rural Hospital Investment Program that was approved by the state Legislature in the spring to provide rural hospitals with a new revenue source so they can keep their doors open and better serve rural markets. It allows a hospital that is not a nonprofit to accept donations in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax incentive.
Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma held pitch meetings with possible investors at the Five & Dime and with civic groups including the Rotary Club of Selma in early December.
Vaughan CEO Michael James reminded donors that hospitals are large employers in their communities and are often requirements for large industries to locate and operate, making them key to a county’s economic development.
Vaughan is the second largest employer in Dallas County and is a for-profit that pays $12 million in taxes to local government, James said at his pitch meeting in November. Vaughan hasn't released their donation number yet.
The Rural Hospital Investment Program is approved for three years with a cap of $25 million for 2027 and $30 million for 2028.
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