Newsroom

Merit Health River Region plays an integral role in healthcare in Vicksburg, thanks to our knowledgeable and compassionate staff. During Hospital Week, May 7-13, 2023, we recognize and celebrate our caregivers for the difference they make each day. Our team members are energized by their work to fight illness and promote wellness for patients and our community. Around the clock, every day of the year, our hospitals offer a safe environment for care thanks to our physical plant and environmental services... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States, resulting in seven million office visits to healthcare providers each year. Additionally, 50 percent of women and three percent of men worldwide will experience a UTI in their lifetime. While most UTIs are not serious, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated could lead to kidney damage or sepsis. UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, bladder ... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS – The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Merit Health River Region support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. Beyond providing clinical care, the Merit Health River Region is a cornerstone of the community and a major contributor to the economic health of Vicksburg/Warren County as a major employer and tax-payer and through resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overal... ... Read More

February is American Heart Month and to celebrate, Merit Health River Region is rolling out a 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge to encourage a lifestyle of healthy living. This is an inaugural event offered through Merit Health, which will begin Feb. 1 and include an email series featuring articles, tips and a daily challenge to help improve one’s health, marketing director Leigh White said. “The daily emails are a quick read with fun and interesting facts about heart health and the daily challenges are ve... ... Read More

Vicksburg, Mississippi – Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, 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 Thomas Sligh, MD, an internal medicine physician with Merit Health Medical Group. “Even small, incremental changes in l... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS – We are happy to announce that Laurie Morrow Neely, MSN, APRN, NP-C, will be the new chief nursing officer (CNO) at Merit Health River Region. She will be joining us officially on January 2, 2023. Laurie is coming to us from Palm Beach, FL, where she serves as the CNO of HCA Florida JFK North Hospital. She has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and brings to us proven leadership in hospital and nursing operations. Her recent accomplishments at HCA Florida JFK North Hospital inclu... ... Read More

Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems The holidays are here, but you may not be feeling very jolly. Where’s that yuletide cheer? Holiday stress can hamper your enjoyment of the festivities of the season – and more importantly, take a long-term toll on your health. Stress is an unfortunate reality of day-to-day life, due to overcommitted schedules, work and family pressures, lack of sleep and an overly ambitious to-do list. During the holidays, our already frantic schedule is turned up ... ... Read More

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), each year. Commonly brought on during the fall and winter, the condition can occur during any seasonal change and last as long as four or five months. People with SAD may feel lethargic or moody and tend to sleep more. Symptoms also can include social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, weight gain, and feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those living farther ... ... Read More

Schedule appointments, tests and surgeries to maximize your health plan benefits before year end Vicksburg, MS, November 7, 2022 – 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 while you still can. “In considering their health care needs, people should also consider the best strategy for using their a... ... Read More

Employees of Merit Health hospitals are eligible for 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 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. Benefits include a student loan repayment program that ... ... Read More