Merit Health Natchez Reports on its Care for the Miss-Lou Region in 2025
3/30/2026
Total Impact Reached Nearly $107 Million
NATCHEZ, MS – At nearly 111,000 patient encounters last year, Merit Health Natchez delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the Miss-Lou Region. The health system’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows care extended well beyond the hospital and clinics, contributing nearly $107 million to the region through charity/uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable projects and payment of nearly $5 million in taxes supporting civic resources like schools and first responders.
The health system used its resources to increase access and strengthen services through nearly $3 million in projects in 2025, including the addition of Urology services and a new hospitalist. The hospital installed a new 64-slice CT scanner, enhancing imaging speed and diagnostic accuracy. A new digital radiology room and an upgraded portable imaging unit were added. Endoscopy equipment was upgraded with new technology, and upgrades to the telemetry monitoring system were installed. Merit Health Natchez also began renovations to its infrastructure that include new roof and window installations to enhance comfort and safety of the hospital.
“We are here to care for our patients and the place we all call home,” said Kevin Samrow, chief executive officer of Merit Health Natchez. “Health is central to quality of life, and we offer advanced medical services here in the Miss-Lou Region to make it easy to access the care you need. It’s our privilege to transform lives every day, helping patients manage their health at every stage of life.”
Area families grew with the help of Merit Health Natchez as more than 500 babies were delivered in 2025.
Keeping patients’ safe remains a priority, and this focus has led to over 720 days without a serious safety event, over 390 days since the last C.diff infection and more than 530 days for MRSA. The hospital has had no reported pressure ulcers for over 1,650 days and no surgical site infections for colon and hysterectomies for over 480 days and 690 days, respectively.
Emergency medicine remains a critical service, with nearly 19,000 visits to the emergency room at Merit Health Natchez. Life-saving medically necessary care was provided to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, with more than $37 million in charity and uncompensated care in 2025.
The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for local food pantries and contributions to charitable organizations such as The Children’s Advocacy Center, The Natchez Stewpot, and the Black Mustard Seed Community Service Group, Merit Health Natchez gives back to the community throughout the year.
Payroll of more than $31 million supports the delivery of around the clock care by a team of physicians, nurses and support staff, all passionate about serving patients. Their compassion and skills make a difference in the lives of neighbors, friends and the larger community.
“We have immense gratitude for every member of our team, and we are investing in resources to support them in their work and a culture that attracts and retains these talented people,” said CEO Samrow. “This team is passionate about delivering quality care to those who are counting on us. We have an unwavering commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and doing the right thing every day for those who trust us with their care.”
Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. Through the hospital’s relationship with Alcorn School of Nursing, Co-Lin Community Jr. College, Natchez High School and other local schools and programs, future healthcare professionals and student nurses gain clinical experience, working side by side with nurses, therapists and imaging technologists.
Merit Health Natchez offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. You can sign up at https://www.merithealthnatchez.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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