Newsroom

FLOWOOD, MS - January 12, 2026 — Merit Health River Oaks is celebrating an extraordinary year in maternal and newborn care, marked by historic milestones that reflect the hospital’s deep commitment to caring for families across Rankin County and the greater Jackson area. In 2025, 2,043 deliveries took place at Merit Health River Oaks, representing an increase of 43% over the previous year. Each birth tells a unique story, and together they represent thousands of moments filled with hope, anticipation, a... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS - December 17, 2025 - Merit Health River Oaks is proud to celebrate its strong partnership with Pafford EMS, which has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) with the prestigious Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Partner in Care Recognition. This honor is awarded to EMS agencies that demonstrate exceptional collaboration with an ACC-accredited or certified Chest Pain Center to ensure the highest level of care for patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. The ACC’s ... ... Read More

Merit Health River Oaks and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital are pleased to announce the appointment of John Whiteside, MHA, MBA, as chief executive officer, effective November 17, 2025. Whiteside joins Merit Health with more than 13 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience. He most recently served as CEO of the Riverton and Lander campuses of the SageWest Healthcare system in Riverton, Wyoming. During his tenure, he led successful recruitment efforts across key specialties—including primary c... ... Read More

Flowood, MS – The last several months of the year are often spent enjoying cooler weather, watching football and preparing for the holidays. This is also a great time to review your health plan to determine whether you’ve met or are close to meeting your insurance deductible. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s time to check the balance for the remainder of the year. Scheduling elective procedures and preventive screenings before the end of the year can help to maximize your healthcare d... ... Read More

Employees at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital recently raised $900 through a sweatshirt fundraiser to benefit the Jackson Stitchery Guild (JSG). Since July 2020, the Guild has donated more than 600 handmade pillows to mastectomy patients at the hospital, offering comfort and support during recovery. Despite rising costs of materials, the JSG continues to uphold its mission of compassion and care. Each pillow is carefully sewn to be both machine washable and dryable, requiring more than an hour and a half t... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS, September 11, 2025 – As we get older, finding role models who are older than we are can be difficult. Medical science, within the past few years, has identified a new group we can aspire to join — the superagers. Superagers can be defined as people in their 70s and 80s who have the mental and/or physical capability of those who are decades-younger. In promoting our upcoming email series on longevity, Merit Health Natchez discovered a superager in our community who is living life to the full... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS – Merit Health has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more likely than their parent... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS – As long as she can remember, Mrs. Wells has been active. At age 81, she doesn’t see any need in slowing down as long as she can still go. However, she does admit she finally gave in and allowed someone to come and cut her grass, but she makes it clear she still does her own weed eating, hedge trimming and work in her flower beds. When asked what her secret was to longevity, Mrs. Wells didn’t hesitate to answer. “I go to bed early and get up early. I eat a full breakfast every day, and I ke... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS -- Merit Health Natchez has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more likely than the... ... Read More

Hattiesburg, MS (08/26/25) – Merit Health Wesley has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more li... ... Read More