Merit Health is a Cornerstone of Central Mississippi
Jackson, MS, April 3, 2023 – The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Merit Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to the hospitals for expert care. Beyond providing clinical care, our network is a cornerstone of the community and a major contributor to the economic health of central Mississippi as a major employer and tax-payer and through applying resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $554 million in 2022.
Care was provided at more than 495,000 patient encounters, including more than 93,000 emergency department visits, more than 14,000 inpatient admissions and approximately 22,000 surgeries. Over 363,000 patients received care across the Merit Health Medical Group physician clinics, imaging centers and physical therapy clinics in our area. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 3,000 babies.
“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Sam Dean, chief executive officer for Merit Health’s Jackson area hospitals. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers here in central Mississippi who are making a real difference each and every day.”
Merit Health’s Jackson area hospitals apply their resources to medical services, facilities and technologies that are important to patients. Access has been enhanced with the opening of a primary care clinic in Brandon, giving central Mississippians 11 primary care locations and 18 primary care provider options. The recruitment of neurology and electrophysiology physicians means more specialty services are here locally. Capital improvements totaling more than $10 million were made to enhance our service lines and add surgical equipment throughout our hospital network.
The central Mississippi healthcare network also gives back to the region by providing over $302 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $20 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services.
Support for local charitable and community organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) includes financial donations and outreach. As a supporter of the ACS’s Hope Lodge, a free lodging option for patients and families experiencing active cancer treatment, the network is able to help provide comfort and stability in times of hardship. And to help fight hunger in the community and advance their purpose of helping people get well and live healthier, the hospitals held their first ever Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, collecting and donating 1,540 jars of nut butter to the Mississippi Food Network to help address food insecurity.
The five hospital’s payroll of more than $44 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement.
Dean continued, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making central Mississippi a healthier, better community for all.”
To help the community live healthier, the health network 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/3ZOssaI .