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As another year comes to an end, I would like to say thank you to the people who keep healthcare moving forward in Mississippi. Top of mind for me is a thank you to the outstanding staff at our Merit Health hospitals and clinics across the region. These team members deliver safe, quality healthcare, and have continued going above and beyond in this second year of the pandemic. They attend to the ebb and flow of patient surges and adjust to ever-changing guidelines. Delivering care with compassion, they ... ... Read More

Benjamin Richaud, chief executive officer of Merit Health River Region, has accepted a position out-of-state and will be leaving the hospital at the end of January. We wish him all the best. During his six-year tenure in Vicksburg, Ben has led the way in becoming the first accredited Chest Pain Center and the first hospital in the Merit Health network to add digital mammography. He's played an integral role in recruiting many physicians for service lines that include OB/GYN, orthopedics, and general sur... ... Read More

Start the new year right by committing to you in 2022. Simple actions can make a big impact on your health over time. Morgan Miller, M.D., a primary care physician with Merit Health Medical Group in Byram, shares a few to consider this year. Connect with others . Spend time with friends, family and those you care about. You’ll benefit your mental well-being and your physical health. Studies show that people who have close friends and family are healthier and live much longer than those who do not. Get y... ... Read More

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi recently announced Merit Health Wesley as a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Maternity Care. The facility is being recognized by the state’s leading health and wellness company for its work in meeting stringent criteria focused on patient safety and clinical outcomes. “Our goal is always putting the patient first,” said Shantele Bolton, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist with Merit Health Wesley, “and making sure that they receive not only evidence-b... ... Read More

By Alfred E. McNair Jr., M.D. When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer. However, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, per the ACS. The good news is that if colon cancer is detected before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is about 91 percent, according to the ACS. If it’s not caught before the cancer spreads to other organs, ... ... Read More

It’s Never Too Late to Break the Smoking Habit Vicksburg, Mississippi, November 18, 2021 – The average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths a minute – more than 20,000 breaths per day, according to the American Lung Association. Healthy lungs are important to deliver clean air to our bodies’ organs and tissues, which convert oxygen into fuel to support vital body functions. When a smoker lights up, it affects not only the health of the lungs, but also all the body structures that depend on the lungs for oxygen.... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. – November 11, 2021 -- When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer. One of the most common cancers is actually colon cancer: cancer of the large intestine and lower part of the digestive system. It is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – and early detection dramatically increases the survival rate. An estimated 150,000 new cases of colorectal cance... ... Read More

Merit Health Madison, located in Canton, MS, has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021. This national distinction recognizes Merit Health Madison’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. "At Merit Health Madison, we remain focused on providing the high quality, safe care every patient deserves. We are proud to be recognized by Leapfrog for our team's commitment to quality and safety," said Brit Phelps, CEO. The Leapfrog Group, an independent natio... ... Read More

Pay attention to the warning signs and don’t delay getting the care you need. NATCHEZ, Miss. – November 9, 2021-- We’ve changed habits and actions to protect our health during the pandemic, but one thing still remains the same – we need to take quick action with a possible heart attack or stroke (or any other urgent medical issue). Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely detection and treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase the damage to heart musc... ... Read More

Schedule necessary appointments, tests and surgeries to maximize your health plan benefits before year end. During the fall and as the holidays approach, it’s easy to forget to take advantage of your insurance benefits. October is a good time to review your outstanding health care needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in Flexible Spending Accounts. “In considering their health care needs, people should also consider the best strategy for using their available health ins... ... Read More