The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Augusta University Medical Center are the recipients of federal funding supported by U.S. Sens. Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff as part of this year’s Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was approved by both the U.S. House and Senate. The bill is waiting on President Biden’s signature.

Warnock announced $2.1 million for MCG’s 3+ Primary Care Pathway Program, with the funds aimed at investing in the retention of Georgia-educated physicians practicing in rural and underserved areas.

“I’m proud this funding bill includes so many priorities I fought for to benefit Augusta-Richmond County,” said Warnock. “These investments will provide more support to keep medical professionals practicing in our state’s rural and exurban areas. I’m going to keep working, like I said I would, to deliver more of these tangible benefits to hardworking Georgians all over the Augusta area.”

Additionally, Ossoff announced funding to purchase and install new MRI machines at Augusta University Medical Center, totaling $3.5 million to replace two of the facility’s machines. The move will increase the medical center’s capacity by an additional 2,000 scans per year.

“This will ensure that every single person in the Augusta area will have access to the MRI imaging and health care that they need,” Ossoff said.

Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, applauded both senators’ efforts to support the future of health care in Augusta and in rural areas throughout the state.

“Augusta University thanks both U.S Sens. Warnock and Ossoff and their teams for helping secure funding to support these requests. Their support allows the Medical College of Georgia to put more doctors out in the field more quickly and affordably,” said Keel. “We also greatly appreciate the work of Sen. Ossoff to supply AU Medical Center with two much-needed new MRI machines. Augusta University remains committed to serving our community and the state through world-class education and medical care, and legislative support allows us to further our mission.”