Merit Health is Vital to Central Mississippi
4/3/2024
Over the course of 2023, Merit Health played a vital role helping people get well and live healthier at more than 501,000 patient encounters across its hospitals and growing network of Merit Health Medical Group physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care.
At more than 89,000 emergency department visits each year, lifesaving medically necessary care is provided for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Members of the community who cannot fully afford their medical care are provided deep discounts or even charity care and the hospitals have resources to help them secure medications and medical support devices. Last year, Merit Health provided more than $684 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable.
“Merit Health plays a vital role in our community around the clock, every day of the year to help people get well and live healthier,” said Sam Dean, Jackson market chief executive officer for Merit Health. “Regardless of holidays or challenging weather, our dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers are using their skills, experience and compassion in service to the patients who are counting on us.”
Other support for social determinants of health in the community includes financial donations for charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, and acts of service such as the Jars of Love drive collecting peanut and other nut butters for the Mississippi Food Network food bank.
Merit Health applies its resources to medical services, facilities and technologies that patients want to access close to home. These include work to strengthen cardiovascular services through recruitment of three cardiac providers who join over ten other providers in our expanding cardiovascular service line, Merit Health Heart. Exciting developments are underway, including the renovation of a 10,000 square foot facility that offers spacious patient accommodations, on-site laboratory services, and diagnostics, all contributing to the streamlined movement and care of cardiac patients.
Civic resources and services are supported by Merit Health’s tax payments of more than $27 million and the payroll of more than $160 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services.
Workforce development remains a priority and strong relationships with local nursing schools allow student nurses to gain clinical experience at the hospitals, working side by side with nurses. Investments are being made to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals through assistance with student loan repayments, as well as tuition reimbursement.
Dean continued, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have that adds up to more than $955 million last year. We recognize that our services are essential to this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide quality health care and make Central Mississippi a healthier, better community for all.”
To help the community live healthier, Merit Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at https://bit.ly/4bPyEWq.
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