Newsroom

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

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

NATCHEZ, MS – Children are often encouraged to drink milk for strong bones, but after that, bone health is largely ignored until the golden years. However, taking steps to support bone strength is important to provide structural support, protect vital organs and enhance mobility throughout our lives. According to Brett Larsen, physician assistant with Merit Health Medical Group Orthopedic Clinic, adults reach peak bone mass in their twenties, and maintaining bone density is important to prevent osteopor... ... Read More

Total Community Benefit Exceeded $66 Million in 2024 NATCHEZ, Miss. – April 16, 2025 - Merit Health Natchez provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 104,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the hospital is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Mer... ... Read More

Community Helps Hospital Surpass Goal of 2,000 Jars of Peanut Butter NATCHEZ, Miss. –March 28, 2025 – To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Merit Health Natchez donated 2.918 jars of peanut butter to the following local food bank distribution sites: Natchez First Assembly of God Kings Kabinet Food Pantry, Pilgrim Baptist Church Food Pantry, River Assembly Church Feed the Hungry Pantry and Staples Food Pantry through St. Mary’s Bas... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS – For the third year in a row, Merit Health Natchez chose a unique way to commemorate National Doctors’ Day and honor the providers who serve at the hospital. In lieu of gifts, Merit Health Natchez presented a check on March 25 for $3,000 to the Natchez Stewpot as a meaningful way to recognize and honor its medical staff. The first-ever Doctors’ Day was celebrated on March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor phy... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS. – March 4, 2025 – News that Harrison Ford withdrew from the 2025 Oscars ceremony due to a diagnosis of shingles has brought attention to this common, often painful, condition. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifeti... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS – March 3, 2025 – Today, Merit Health Natchez kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting River Assembly Feed the Hungry, First Assembly of God and Pilgrim Baptist Church food pantries and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in the local area. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Driv... ... Read More

Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Merit Health Natchez NATCHEZ, Miss., October 28, 2024 – Amy Dunaway of Merit Health Natchez was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read in part, “Before, during and after my surgeries at Merit Health Natchez, Amy went out of her way to comfort me, remind me that she would not leave my side during the p... ... Read More