Newsroom

The summer heat is on, and many experts predict that 2025 could surpass 2024 as the hottest year on record in the United States. According to Merit Health River Oaks' emergency department director, Malisa Walters, RN, BSN, CEN, warmer temperatures often bring more patients to the ER with symptoms of heat-related illnesses. “An increase in outdoor activity is one of the reasons we all enjoy the summer months, but heat waves can create dangerous conditions for anyone spending a prolonged amount of time ou... ... Read More

Madison, MS, June 1, 2025 – The hot, sunny days of summer are a great time to jump into the water and swim your way to better health. Dr. R. Allen Sheely, a primary care provider with Merit Health, says swimming is easy on your joints and one of the best ways to get and stay in shape and prevent chronic disease. Cardiovascular health increases through swimming because your entire body is working against the resistance of the water, and your heart and lungs work harder to supply the necessary oxygen to y... ... Read More

Flowood, MS, May 28, 2025 – Children are often encouraged to drink milk for strong bones, but after that, bone health is largely ignored until the golden years. However, taking steps to support bone strength is important to provide structural support, protect vital organs and enhance mobility throughout our lives. According to Dr. Donald Baker, orthopedic physician with Merit Health Medical Group, adults reach peak bone mass in their twenties, and maintaining bone density is important to prevent osteopo... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group is pleased to announce that Allen Sheely, M.D., primary care physician, has relocated his practice to the clinic located at 7732 Old Canton Road in Madison. Dr. Sheely joins current providers Aaron Katzenmeyer, ACNP, and Mary Porter, CFNP, in continuing to offer high-quality, compassionate care to the Madison community. Dr. Sheely brings with him years of experience in family medicine and a strong commitment to building long-term relationships with his patients. His move stren... ... Read More

Flowood, MS - May 12, 2025 - Merit Health Central, Merit Health Rankin, Merit Health River Oaks, and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital, along with multiple outpatient clinics across the greater Jackson area, are proud to recognize National Hospital Week by celebrating the dedicated individuals who make compassionate, high-quality care possible every day. In 2024, Merit Health recorded more than 498,000 patient encounters — including 89,000 emergency department visits — thanks to the coordinated efforts of a... ... Read More

Total Community Benefit Approximately $521 million in 2024 The Jackson area Merit Health hospitals provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 498,000 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 H... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS (April 10, 2025) – Merit Health recently wrapped up its third annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the Mississippi Food Network. Held in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, the initiative brought together local businesses, organizations, and community members to help combat hunger in Central Mississippi. This year’s drive collected nearly 5,000 jars of peanut butter for the Mississippi Food Network. Merit Health was joined in the effort by Pafford ... ... Read More

Flowood, MS, March 30, 2025 - For the third consecutive year, Merit Health is celebrating National Doctors’ Day in a meaningful way—by giving back to the community in honor of their dedicated medical staff. This year, the Jackson area hospitals have once again chosen to express their appreciation by making donations to local charities selected by their physicians. National Doctors’ Day is an opportunity to recognize physicians for their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient care. T... ... Read More

News that Harrison Ford withdrew from the 2025 Oscars ceremony due to a diagnosis of shingles has brought attention to this common, often painful, condition. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, the chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime according to the Centers... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS, February 24, 2025 – Today, Merit Health kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting Mississippi Food Network, and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in Central Mississippi. 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 February 24 and will run through March 21. “Merit Heal... ... Read More