Community Members, Businesses Contribute $750K to Enhance Care at EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital

With the goal of expanding access to health care, numerous community members and businesses contributed $750,000 through the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program with the funds specifically earmarked for EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital.

During a ceremony held Wednesday, April 15 to recognize contributors, Greg Nichols, administrator of EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital, shared the following words of thanks. 

“It means so much to our community for these funds to come to our hospital,” Nichols said. “We hit our funding cap of $750,000 within a month, and I think that is a true testament to the support of our community for this hospital and the people who work here.”

East Alabama Health President and CEO Laura Grill and Chief Pharmacy Officer Chuck Beams also shared their appreciation and outlined the impact the contributions will have.

The contributions will fund several enhancements at the campus in Valley. Among items the cumulative investment will support are additional ultrasound machines, new surgical equipment for eye surgeons, and new dining room furniture for the nursing home on campus. The remaining funds will be used for general facility improvements. 

EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides vital emergency and outpatient services for patients throughout Chambers County and surrounding communities. In addition to 24-hour emergency care, the facility offers diagnostic imaging, infusion services, cardiac rehab, outpatient rehab, and lab services. Outpatient surgery is also available in the ambulatory surgery center. 

Contributors to the Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program in support of EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital include: 

Glynn Smith Chevrolet GMC, East Alabama Paving, AuburnBank, Auburn Electrical Construction Company, Bailey-Harris Construction, William H. Scott III, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stone Martin Builders, LLC, William H. Huguley IV, Frank E. Plan, Roarke Plumbing, David G. Fagan, M.D., Inspirien Insurance Solutions, and other individuals.

“This show of support means so much to our patients as it strengthens our ability to enhance the care we provide for our community,” Nichols said.

The Alabama Rural Hospital Investment Program was created in 2025 to help eligible rural hospitals in the state receive additional funding by providing a tax credit for qualifying contributions. The statewide funding limit for 2026 was set at $20 million, with the individual funding cap set at $750,000 for eligible hospitals. 

Out of the 50 rural hospitals eligible for the program, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital was one of just six to meet the funding cap. The three-year program will continue in 2027 and 2028 with the funding caps increasing each year. 

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.