He Promised His Dying Mother He’d Protect the Family’s Health. In This Georgia Town, It Isn’t Easy.

In Albany, Georgia, Clifford Thomas struggles to fulfill his promise to his dying mother to protect the family's health. Albany faces a healthcare crisis due to the dominance of a single hospital system, Phoebe Putney Memorial, and strict Medicaid limits, leaving nearly one-third of the city's residents uninsured. This lack of access to affordable, quality care has fostered distrust in the healthcare system. Thomas, like many others in Albany, has given up on seeking medical insurance or a doctor due to these barriers. Albany is one of many "hospital towns" across the U.S. where high rates of chronic conditions and limited access to care create significant health challenges for residents. ProPublica is examining this healthcare crisis in a five-part series called “Sick in a Hospital Town.”