Merit Health River Region Delivering Quality Care and More to Vicksburg Total Community Benefit Exceeded $150 million in 2024
4/7/2025
Vicksburg, MS, April 7th, 2025 – Merit Health River Region provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with 236,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Merit Health River Region’s impact totaled an estimated $150 million in 2024.
The hospital stands ready to help the community in crisis, as demonstrated in the response to the August 31st, 2024, bus crash that resulted in an influx of 36 patients to the emergency room. Most patients were triaged, treated, and released, while several others required hospitalization and more extensive surgical care. Assistance was also provided to family and friends of the victims who were onsite.
“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said David Fox, chief executive officer of Merit Health River Region. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to impact the health, well-being and quality of life in Vicksburg/Warren County.”
Merit Health River Regions’ emergency room provides lifesaving, medically necessary care at more than 26,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, Merit Health River Region provided nearly $72 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.
The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for STOREHOUSE Community Food Pantry and contributions to charitable organizations such as Salvation Army, UnitedWay, and First Baptist Church, Merit Health River Region gives back to the community throughout the year.
To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, Merit Health River Region is investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. The cardiology services offered will grow this year with the addition of cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Adam Protos and recent upgrade to the Interventional Cath Lab with a MAC Lab. The cardiovascular team also includes interventional cardiologist Dr. Paul Pierce, IV, who specializes in thrombectomy, interventional catheterization, stenting, and pacemaker insertion; Dr. Murray Whitaker contributes expertise in pacemaker placement and diagnostic catheterization; and Nurse Practitioner Shelby Primeaux, who work together to provide comprehensive care that includes open-heart surgery and advanced interventional radiology for vascular PCI procedures.
The hospital has also invested in resources to support surgical capabilities and expanding services to meet the needs of the community. New equipment supports work of the surgeons in performing efficient, safe procedures, including general and gastrointestinal procedures.
“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said Fox. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”
Merit Health River Region is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of more than $59 million. Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. A diverse array of emerging providers are developing their skills at our hospital and clinics, including OBGYN residents and phlebotomy students from Delta Louisiana; eight physician assistant students from Thomas Jefferson University; a UMMC master’s nursing student, and four radiology students.
In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Merit Health River Region paid more than $13 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.
Merit Health River Region commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at https://www.merithealthriverregion.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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