SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The Medical College of Georgia is finally ready to open its doors on the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern.

After a little more than a year building the school, leaders from around the state came together Friday for an official ribbon cutting.

This is a dream that has become reality. A new four-year medical campus in the Coastal Empire.

Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia expanding to Georgia Southern’s Armstrong campus in an effort to improve current shortages in the state’s healthcare system.

“As we grow as a state and we are the number one place to do business, we also want to keep up with that in the healthcare environment,” said Dr. Russell Keen, President, Augusta University.

This is an initiative GSU officials say they’re already working towards.

”One out of every five undergraduate degree that is conferred in state of Georgia in health processions is a Georgia Southern graduate,” said Kyle Marrero, Georgia Southern University.

That’s why Georgia Southern’s president says this was the perfect partnership.

The campus just down the street from St. Joseph’s Hospital, a place students will be able to get hands-on experience.

“They’re practicing with real life physicians, and they get exposure to what it’s like to be on the ground,” said Paul Hinchey, CEO, St. Joseph’s Candler.

Getting them ready to better serve the Savannah area after graduating.

“The learning curve goes down, and they’re ready to hit the ground going,” said Hinchey.

Students acknowledging the next few years will be a lot of work but saying they’re excited to start this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It’s going to be really difficult this year, and the years to come, but I know if I always remember my why and lean on my classmates, I can make it through no matter what,” said Brian Egan, medical school student.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are less than 10 days away from another school year in Richmond and Columbia counties, and parents getting prepared. 

But it can be hard on your wallet. 

On Friday, “Living in Purpose” helped with more than just school supplies. 

Hundreds of families had a good time while stocking up on school supplies over at the purpose center. Organizers say they went through all 100 of their backpacks within an hour.  

But many families and incoming students say Friday today was more than just a handout. 

Families took advantage of free backpacks, haircuts and shoe raffles ahead of the new school year.  

Event leaders say Friday really shows the growing need for families when it comes to school supplies. 

“I mean, the way that it’s looking right now, I probably needed 200 book bags. The goal is for us to target the kids’ right hand to direct the community. But we have kids coming from all over the community because there is such a great need,” said Kamilah Freeman, executive administrator for “Living in Purpose”. 

Organizers say it’s really about the resources they’re trying to bring to the at-risk youth in the community. 

“We are targeting youth to prevent them from going through things in life teaching them about integrity, purpose character, helping them to know that they have a purpose in life and to be all that they can be,” said Freeman.

Along with free supplies, they’re offering mentorship and after-school programs to families for their kids to get involved in.  

Joshua Hawthorne says he’s a product of that, and it’s motivating him to reach for places he never dreamed of before. 

“I got between sort of three choices right now that I want to go to. Kelsey, JSU or Talladega,” he said. 

It’s a community effort to remind the next generation what they’re capable of. 

Freeman said: “It is so rewarding to me because I see them when they come in and I see them as they’re progressing. I see their heads going from down to being lifted up I see their chest coming up. I see smiles on their face and they are gaining hope and I love it”

With the start of the new school year for Richmond County, “Living in Purpose” will resume its after-school programs for kids to get assistance with homework and other essential needs. 

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a 2019 murder.

On Dec. 30, 2019, at 4:47 am., the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2106 Bayvale Road to investigate the murder of Dwayne Lane, 52.

The case had remained in a cold case status until Friday.  

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division was able to find and interview original witnesses as well as new witnesses.   

As a result, investigators were able to arrest Willie Ferrell, 42, in connection with the killing.  

Ferrell was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. 

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.