Newsroom

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite being preventable and treatable, many individuals still die from this disease due to a lack of awareness about preventive care. Merit Health Biloxi is committed to promoting early detection and prevention of colon cancer through regular colonoscopy screenings because, when detected early, the survival rate for colon cancer is approximately 90%. During this non-inv... ... Read More

Hospital Honors Medical Staff by Giving to Local Charity NATCHEZ, MS - Merit Health Natchez recently made a donation of $1,500.00 to The Children’s Christmas Tree Fund in honor of the hospital’s medical staff. “We are fortunate to have the caliber of physicians serving and meeting the medical needs of this community. In the spirit of the season, we wanted to honor them by giving a donation in their honor to the Christmas Tree Fund,” said Kevin Samrow, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. Natchez is full of trad... ... Read More

After five years of dedication and quality improvement work, Merit Health River Oaks was re-designated as Baby-Friendly on September 21, 2023. Merit Health River Oaks is known in its community as being a family-centered facility providing quality care. The hospital has been working with CHAMPS (Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices) since 2017, determined to improve breastfeeding education, resources, and support. “The mission of Merit Health River Oaks is to provide quality patient ca... ... Read More

Flowood MS – If it seems like more people are getting sick each day – it’s not your imagination. Diagnoses of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise across the U.S., with the CDC trackers showing flu activity to be high here in Mississippi, and more people visiting the emergency department or needing hospitalizations for treatment of severe symptoms. Because the symptoms for each condition are similar, it’s important to know when they signal a medical emergency. All can caus... ... Read More

Interventional cardiology physician Randel Smith, M.D., FACC, has joined Merit Health Medical Group in Flowood. Dr. Smith focuses on the functions and disorders of the heart and circulatory system. He provides routine and preventive cardiac services, as well as helping to manage chronic conditions. Dr. Smith received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA. He also completed his residency at Louisiana School of Medicine where he was appointed Chief Residen... ... Read More

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached. Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right now may be the best time to address any... ... Read More

Merit Health Madison Designated a Level 3 Stroke Center CANTON, MS, November 17, 2023 – Merit Health Madison has been designated as a Level 3 Stroke Center in the statewide Stroke System of Care by the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance. The Madison County hospital is equipped to provide Level 3 stroke services 24 hours a day, as indicated in the state guidelines. Trey Nichols, DO, is Merit Health Madison’s Emergency Department Director and leads a dedicated t... ... Read More

People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. Merit Health River Region is committed to changing that. For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Merit Health River Region has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Str... ... Read More

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used HATTIESBURG, MS (November 13, 2013) - Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached. Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right n... ... Read More

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached. Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right now may be the best time to address any... ... Read More