Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Local Businesses Invest $1.2 Million in Marshall Medical Centers as Statewide Rural Health Initiative Reaches Cap

Guntersville, Alabama – The Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program reached its $20 million statewide cap in just one month, underscoring the vital role rural hospitals play in caring for families, supporting local jobs and keeping communities strong.

In Marshall County, that support translated into more than $1.2 million for Marshall Medical Centers, a nonprofit community hospital that provides care for thousands of families each year.

The funding was made possible by local and regional partners who chose to invest in rural health care and support Marshall Medical Centers through the tax credit incentive, including:

Alabama Health Research & Education Foundation

Arab Electric Cooperative

Brindley's Family Pharmacy

Citizens Bank & Trust

People's Bank of Alabama

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative

First Southern State Bank

First State Bank

First Bank of Boaz

Liberty Bank

North Alabama Electric Cooperative

Marshall DeKalb Electric Cooperative

Sand Mountain Toyota

“We are so fortunate to have such strong community partners standing behind Marshall Medical Centers,” said Chris Rush, president of Marshall Medical Centers. “Their commitment and participation will help ensure our patients continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care, while also allowing us to invest in key initiatives that will elevate care across our hospitals.”

The Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit while directing their support to eligible rural hospitals. For communities like Marshall County, participation represents more than financial support - it reflects confidence in the hospital as both a health care provider and an economic anchor.

As part of Huntsville Hospital Health System, Marshall Medical Centers is connected to a coordinated, regional network. This partnership provides access to advanced specialty services, clinical expertise and coordinated care across North Alabama while preserving the personal, community-based care valued by patients.

“Our system hospitals are essential to the health and economic stability of the communities they call home,” said Jeff Samz, chief executive officer of Huntsville Hospital Health System. “Across the country, many rural hospitals are struggling. In North Alabama, we are working together to ensure that does not become our reality. We are grateful for the donors and community partners who chose to invest in their local hospitals through this program. Their confidence strengthens access to high-quality care within their own communities and reinforces our mission to improve the health of every community we serve.”

HH Health also extends appreciation to the State of Alabama and legislative leaders, including bill sponsors Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, and Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, for prioritizing policies that support rural health care across the state.

The Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program will return in 2027 with an expanded cap, creating additional opportunity for community participation.

For more information about the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program, visit www.alaha.org/invest-in-rural-hospitals or contact Andrea Oliver, Executive Director of The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers at (256) 571-8026.