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NATCHEZ, Miss., — Merit Health Natchez recently bestowed its highest honors to the 2022 employee and managers of the year – Lawrence Boone, security, Employee of the Year; Dee Ham, director of risk management, Non-Clinical Manager of the Year; and Stephanie Rehms, director and nurse manager of inpatient rehabilitation, Clinical Manager of the Year. “Healthcare requires a special blend of great people skills, tireless energy and the ability to work well under pressure,” said Garett May, chief executive o... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss., -- The American Heart Association’s heart health checklist now includes new measures for better cardiovascular health. AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist added healthy sleep as a necessary component of heart health and emphasized the importance of eating whole foods, vegetables, lean protein and more. The checklist also added vaping and exposure to secondhand smoke as risk factors to avoid. Sleep is essential for cardiovascular health, proper brain function and a strong immune system, bu... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 22, 2022 – Making New Year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them will break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. “The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year,” says Charla Knapp, FNP-BC with Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care. “Even small, incremental changes in l... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 9, 2022 – On average, blood donations drop by more than 4,000 in December compared to the rest of the year. This holiday season, give the gift of life by donating blood. Vitalant is teaming up with Merit Health Natchez to host a local community blood drive in hopes of giving someone a chance to live another day. The drive will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from Noon - 4 p.m. at Merit Health Natchez. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 7, 2022 – Merit Health Natchez today announced that Glenda Gordon, Registered Nurse in Women’s Services, has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award. This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. “Merit Health Natchez is fortunate to have many outst... ... Read More

5th Annual Paint Natchez Pink Proclamation Immediately Following NATCHEZ, Miss – Merit Health Natchez is hosting a Community Health and Safety Fair at the Natchez Grand Hotel on Thursday, October 20 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. This is a free event designed for participants to gain useful tips and practices to be a healthier you. At 6:00 p.m., we will move to the Natchez Bluff across from the hotel where Mayor Dan Gibson will officially proclaim the day, Paint Natchez Pink. Hospital personnel will be on h... ... Read More

Event Aimed to Help Brew Community Spirit among Law Enforcement Natchez, MS – National Coffee with a Cop day is a day dedicated to encourage communication and positive interactions between law enforcement agencies and the public. Merit Health Natchez is pleased to host this event on Wednesday, October 5 from 7:45 a.m. until 9 a.m. in the hospital’s cafeteria, and the public is invited to attend. The day began as part of National Community Policing Week in 2016 and now continues each year on the first We... ... Read More

Natchez, MS (July 18, 2022) – Merit Health Natchez welcomes Deena Keasler as the chief financial officer, effective immediately. “Deena has over 10 years of experience in healthcare finance,” said Chief Executive Officer Garett May. “Her experience, combined with her proven leadership and credentials, makes her a perfect fit for this position." Keasler comes to Merit Health Natchez from our sister hospital, Merit Health Wesley, in Hattiesburg, MS. She served as the assistant chief financial officer for ... ... Read More

Natchez, MS (July 14, 2022) – Employees of Merit Health Natchez are now eligible for new and enhanced benefits designed as pathways to help them eliminate existing student debt faster, pursue additional professional education, and advance their careers. The goal in offering Merit Health Natchez Pathways benefits is to support and retain employees and attract a strong workforce, especially frontline nurses, technicians, therapists and other clinicians and caregivers, along with support personnel. Benefit... ... Read More

Natchez, MS – Over the course of a year, the impact of Merit Health Natchez adds up as the skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members deliver safe, quality care around the clock every day. Beyond clinical care, the hospital is a major employer and regularly invests resources to expand and enhance the services available locally. The overall community benefit each year is significant and totaled more than $58.6 million in 2021. Last year, the hospital and clinics delivere... ... Read More