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Vicksburg, MS – The midpoint of the year is a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures that may have been postp... ... Read More

Delivers essential medical services and broad impact to the larger community Vicksburg, MS – Over the course of 2023, Merit Health River Region played a vital role in helping people get well and live healthier at more than 211,000 patient encounters across its hospital, Merit Health Medical Group physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. The essential nature of services Merit Health River Region provides was particularly clear in the aftermath of March’s tornado that affected Rolling Fork, M... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS (Feb 28th, 2024) – Merit Health River Region invites community members to join the Merit Health River Region’s efforts to fight hunger by participating in the second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting STOREHOUSE Community Food Pantry. 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 Drive kicks off on March 4 and will run through March 22.... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS Jan 25, 2024 – It’s a leap year, and that means we all can look forward to an extra day in February – an extra day to enjoy life, be well, and pursue the things that make us happy. And, while an extra day is nice, what if you could add more years to your life? Caring for your heart is one of the best ways to increase longevity. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in five adult deaths in the U.S each year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Con... ... Read More

People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. Merit Health River Region is committed to changing that. For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Merit Health River Region has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Str... ... Read More

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached. Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right now may be the best time to address any... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group, a leading provider of primary care services in Vicksburg, is making healthcare more accessible to the community by extending its hours to include Saturdays. Starting October 7, 2023, the clinic will open its doors on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon, in addition to its regular hours on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Merit Health Medical Group, located at 3317 Pemberton Square Boulevard in Vicksburg, has been a trusted source of healthcare for the local community. T... ... Read More

Vicksburg, MS – Merit Health River Region has named David R. Fox as chief executive officer (CEO), effective September 11, 2023. With more than 25 years of clinical and hospital and health systems operations experience, Fox most recently served as chief executive officer (CEO) for Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado, where he spearheaded the opening of an 18 bed behavioral health unit. Before joining Medical Center of South Arkansas, Fox held leadership positions at Baxter Regional Medical Cen... ... Read More

General surgeon C. Neal Ellis, Jr., M.D., has joined Merit Health River Region in Vicksburg. Dr. Ellis received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and he completed his residency at Baptist Medical Centers, both in Birmingham, AL. He is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Ellis is dedicated to providing patients with thorough assessments and advanced treatment options when surgery is necessary. From routine office procedures to medically ... ... Read More

August 14, 2023 – Family medicine provider Breland Yelverton, NP, has joined Merit Health Medical Group in Vicksburg. He joins existing primary care providers Brandon Mizell, MD, Kim Kilpatrick, CFNP, and Kenyatta Wilson, MSN, FNP-BC. Yelverton received his masters in nursing from the Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and has over 16 years of healthcare experience. Yelverton can treat your entire family for everything from minor emergencies to chronic disease management and preventive care. Service... ... Read More