CLAXTON - Through the USDA Rural Development under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton was selected to receive $200,000 in loan and grant funds to purchase a digital mammography system.
      The hospital's state-of-the-art purchase was one of 280 projects in 44 states announced this week by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, public information coordinator E.J. Stapler said in a press release from the Georgia state office of USDA rural development.
      "This equipment will provide better imaging and allow for more accurate diagnostics," said Donnie Thomas, acting state director. "Providing reliable health care is a priority in rural areas," he said.
      Under that act, USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program helps finance essential equipment and facilities in rural areas. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes, Stapler said.
      USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs, he said, through a national network of 6,100 employees located in 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and to improve the quality of life in rural America, he said.
      Stapler said rural development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.