The Poarch Band of Creek Indians are once again lending financial support to Atmore, this time with a nearly $1 million donation to the city’s hospital.

Thursday morning, members of the PCI Tribal Council and ACH administration held a ceremony officially announcing the tribe’s $964,000 donation. ACH Vice President and Administrator John Tucker said the funds were the result of a request made by hospital administration last year, adding PCI officials went “above and beyond” what ACH officials asked.

“ We initially requested $814,000,” Tucker said. “We planned to use the money for upgrades and they donated more than we asked.”

Tucker said the money has already been earmarked for specific purposes and will make a significant difference in the hospital’s ability to care for patients.

“About eight percent of hospitals in Alabama lose money every year,” he said. “We’ll benefit from these funds just from a patient service standpoint.”

Tucker said the donation will be used to purchase equipment needed for digital mammography, laparoscopic surgery, anesthesia as well as basic hospital needs, such as stretchers, furniture and defibulators. In addition, $480,000 will be used as an operating subsidy for the 2013 fiscal year, while $150,000 will go towards emergency room improvements. Tucker said the funds could not have come at a better time.

“This is an especially difficult time for rural hospitals across the nation,” he said. “This gift from the tribe will allow us to make some much-needed improvements to our facility’s equipment and technology. We are very appreciative that the tribe has once again demonstrated its commitment and extraordinary generosity to organizations in our community.”

Stephanie Bryan, PCI vice chairman, said she feels the donation to ACH will have a great, positive impact on the community.

“I truly believe this is one of the most important and meaningful donations we have made to the community,” Bryan said. “In a time of true need and financial burden, the tribal council took all of that into the initial consideration and was proud to give back to the community.”

Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin also expressed the council’s zeal over being able to give back to the Atmore area.

“We are thrilled that we able to help out our local hospital, especially in these tough economic times,” Rolin said. “The tribal council realizes how important quality healthcare is and that every person deserves to receive the best care available. We believe this donation will only enhance that quality of care that is already being provided by Atmore Community Hospital.”

According to information from Baptist Health Care, which owns and operates ACH, the donation will be distributed in monthly $40,000 increments for the next year, with the option for the tribe to make an additional donation to match money collected from a community supported fundraising event still being planned.