Newsroom

NATCHEZ, Miss. – November 11, 2021 -- When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer. One of the most common cancers is actually colon cancer: cancer of the large intestine and lower part of the digestive system. It is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – and early detection dramatically increases the survival rate. An estimated 150,000 new cases of colorectal cance... ... Read More

Pay attention to the warning signs and don’t delay getting the care you need. NATCHEZ, Miss. – November 9, 2021-- We’ve changed habits and actions to protect our health during the pandemic, but one thing still remains the same – we need to take quick action with a possible heart attack or stroke (or any other urgent medical issue). Life-threatening blockages and arrhythmias need timely detection and treatment to support the best possible outcome. Waiting to get help can increase the damage to heart musc... ... Read More

Schedule necessary appointments, tests and surgeries to maximize your health plan benefits before year end NATCHEZ, Miss. – October 29, 2021-- During the fall and as the holidays approach, it’s easy to forget to take advantage of your insurance benefits. Now is a good time to review your outstanding health care needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in Flexible Spending Accounts. “In considering their health care needs, people should also consider the best strategy for u... ... Read More

Two Friends and Co-workers Use Their Voices to Encourage Women to Take Charge of Their Breast Health NATCHEZ, Miss. – October 26, 2021-- Tammy Cranford and Dee Ham share many things in common. They are registered nurses who work together in the quality department at Merit Health Natchez. They are friends, mothers and wives who, like so many women, put their needs and wants aside to focus on their families and work tirelessly each day in their professional careers and home life responsibilities. One thin... ... Read More

Learn your risk factors to prevent life-threatening blood clots NATCHEZ, Miss. –August 5, 2021 -- – The pandemic has heightened attention to the dangers of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), blood clots kill 274 Americans each day when they restrict blood flow and cause a medical emergency. While different types of blood clotting are being reported among people affected by COVID-19, particularly t... ... Read More

Hospital provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms NATCHEZ, Miss. – The American College of Cardiology has once again recognized Merit Health Natchez for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Merit Health Natchez was awarded another three year Chest Pain Center Accreditation earlier this year based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. ... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –June 29, 2021 — Merit Health Natchez has named Garett May as its new Chief Executive Officer effective August 2, 2021. May brings strong leadership, business development and physician recruitment skills to further enhance and grow the hospital. He has worked in executive leadership positions with Merit Health facilities in Mississippi for the past 10 years, most recently serving as the chief operating officer at Merit Health River Oaks in Flowood. During his tenure there, he recruited pr... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, Miss. –June 23, 2021—The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International announced that Merit Health Natchez has been accredited once again for a period of three years for its Inpatient Rehabilitation program. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself thro... ... Read More

Study finds average weight gains of 1.5 pounds a month during pandemic NATCHEZ, Miss. – June 17, 2021 —– As the days get longer and community is opening up, a local physician is encouraging her patients to reverse the extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic. Dr. Barbara Smith, a primary care physician with Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic, says it’s a great time to get back on track with healthy habits and shed that extra weight. “The pandemic, especially early ... ... Read More

Stay on schedule with a full night of sleep for your best physical and mental health NATCHEZ, Miss. –June 14, 2021— We’ve all experienced the tiredness and lack of clarity that comes from a sleepless night, but a study published last year by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Foundation found that sleep schedule inconsistency is also a risk factor for heart disease. Dr. Barbara Smith, primary care physician and Charla Knapp, Family Nurse Practitioner with Merit Health Medical Group Primar... ... Read More