Prepared Hearts. Stronger Communities.

Powered by the area's only Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center

The Highest Level of Recognition Provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health

SGMC HeartReady is a regional, community‑based heart health, prevention, and cardiac response initiative designed to save lives before, during, and after a cardiac emergency. By strengthening every link in the Chain of Survival—from bystander response to advanced hospital care—SGMC Health is working with communities across South Georgia to improve outcomes when every second matters.

Cardiac emergencies don’t wait for hospital doors. Survival depends on what happens in the minutes before professional care arrives. SGMC HeartReady brings together education, equipment, training, and coordinated response to ensure individuals, organizations, and first responders are prepared to act—quickly and confidently.
Community Awareness & Prevention Focuses on educating communities about heart attack & stroke warning signs—along with calling 911 early. Prevention addresses key risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, & smoking.
CPR & AED Readiness Expands access to Hands‑Only CPR and CPR/AED training while supporting strategic placement and visibility of AEDs—especially in high‑traffic and rural areas.
First Responder & EMS Integration Supports advanced cardiac education & coordination among EMS, fire, law enforcement, & dispatch—ensuring rapid recognition, high‑performance resuscitation, & early activation of cardiac resources.
Hospital Excellence & Comprehensive Care Connects communities and first responders directly to SGMC Health’s Level I ECCC, supporting 24/7/365 access to expert care including cardiac caths, angioplasty, and on-site open-heart surgery.
Community Recognition & Certification Communities can earn the SGMC HeartReady Community designation by meeting defined benchmarks that demonstrate readiness and commitment to heart health.
Hahira Fire Department AED Donation
Berrien AED donation
Lowndes County Fire Rescue AED Donation
CPR Training
CPR Training

Become HeartReady

Participating Groups & Organizations

29
AEDs Donated
103
Continuing Education Classes Taught
918
Community Members Trained (so far!)
Stats as of March 2026

The Role of the SGMC Health Foundation

The SGMC Health Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of SGMC Heart Ready, supporting sustainability and expansion across the region.Foundation Support Includes:

  • Funding AED placement and training
  • Supporting rural and underserved communities
  • Expanding programs such as Jump Start a Heart
  • Honoring donors and community champions

Learn More About Our Cardiac Capabilities

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