SR 196: Phoebe Putney Health System; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It praises Phoebe Putney Health System, based in southwest Georgia, for opening a new $150 million Trauma & Critical Care Tower in January 2025 that includes an expanded emergency and trauma center, a larger neonatal intensive care unit, and additional surgical intensive care beds. The resolution also highlights the health system's role in training healthcare workers, including a housing and training partnership with Albany Technical College, a nursing pathway program for high school students, and hosting medical school and pharmacy college campuses. It notes the system's disaster relief donations to rural hospitals after Hurricane Helene. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy to Phoebe Putney Health System as a formal commendation.

• Formally commends Phoebe Putney Health System for its healthcare services, workforce development, and community contributions in southwest Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Phoebe Putney Health System.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or appropriate any state funding.

Phoebe Putney Health System and its staff are the direct subject of this honor. Residents of southwest Georgia, Albany Technical College nursing students, high school students in the Phoebe Health Science Pathway, and rural hospitals that received disaster aid are also mentioned in the resolution's praise.

This resolution carries symbolic weight rather than legal effect. It publicly recognizes a major regional hospital system's investments in trauma care, workforce training, and rural hospital support, but it does not change any law, funding, or regulation affecting healthcare in Georgia.

• The whereas clauses recount Phoebe Putney's role as southwest Georgia's largest employer and its new $150 million Trauma & Critical Care Tower opened January 15, 2025.
• The resolved clause formally commends Phoebe Putney Health System for its healthcare, workforce, and community contributions.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Phoebe Putney Health System.

1. 2025-02-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-17Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)Primary sponsor

• Phoebe Putney Health System
• southwest Georgia healthcare
• legislative commendation
• nursing workforce training