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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

Cody Tipton, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Merit Health River Region, is offering a Morning Sports Injury clinic to local students this fall sports season. Any student that incurs a football, cheerleading, dance, or band injury during a football game on Friday night can avoid the ER and walk into his clinic on Saturday or Monday morning from 8am - 11am. The clinic offers onsite X-ray which provides immediate and efficient care for bone and joint injuries. The clinic will run from Saturday, August 19, 2023... ... Read More

Four reasons why taking a break is critical to your health Jackson, MS 7/14/2023 – The benefits of a good summer vacation go well beyond having a good time. Taking a vacation can reduce stress levels and decrease the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Time off is also associated with greater happiness and improved job performance when you return to the office. And while we all know a little time away from work is critical to health and well-being, 55% of Americans... ... Read More

Only five hours a week of moderate exercise could help ward off a cancer diagnosis. A study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found strong evidence correlating physical activity to lower rates of cancer and other chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia. Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regula... ... Read More

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