Sumter County, Georgia is getting a new state-of-the-art OB/GYN facility, due in part to a $100,000 grant from Peach State Health Plan.

At a groundbreaking ceremony today in Americus, Georgia, Southwest Georgia Health Care, Inc. was presented with the grant to help build the facility, which is projected to open in May 2016.

The announcement is good news to residents of Sumter County, as it has a low ratio of OB/GYNs providing comprehensive services for women, at 5.9 for every 100,000 women. The national average of OB/GYN providers to population is 27.12 providers for every 100,000 residents.

"Peach State Health Plan is proud to be a partner in bringing this much needed OB/GYN facility to Sumter County. We are committed to improving access to quality healthcare in communities throughout Georgia," said Patrick Healy, president and CEO, Peach State Health Plan.

For residents of Sumter County, the distance to the nearest primary care provider accepting new Medicaid and/or un-insured patients for obstetrics and gynecology services is prohibitively far. The two nearest areas are Albany and Columbus, a distance of 37.9 miles and 60.5 miles, respectively.

"There is no question that this entire area of southwest Georgia is underserved when it comes to women's health care services. Thanks to Peach State Health Plan, this facility will help us improve OB/GYN access to an area that needs it urgently," said Ajay Gehlot, M.D., CEO, Southwest Georgia Health Care, Inc.

The new facility will be located at 603 East Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia.