Newsroom

FLOWOOD, MS – Merit Health recently wrapped up its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the local 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. Merit Health was joined in the effort by Pafford and AMR Emergency Medical Services, AccentCare Home Health, Hinds Community College Nursing and Allied Health, Holmes Co... ... Read More

Merit Health Woman’s Hospital Surgical Oncologist Phillip Ley, M.D., FACS, has achieved a major milestone in breast cancer care by successfully performing the first fluorescence imaging technology procedures for lumpectomy margin assessment in the state of Mississippi. These procedures mark a significant advancement in bringing innovative, real-time cancer detection technology to patients in the region. The technology is designed to help surgeons identify residual cancer cells during breast-conserving s... ... Read More

Merit Health River Oaks and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital are pleased to announce the appointment of John Whiteside, MHA, MBA, as chief executive officer, effective November 17, 2025. Whiteside joins Merit Health with more than 13 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience. He most recently served as CEO of the Riverton and Lander campuses of the SageWest Healthcare system in Riverton, Wyoming. During his tenure, he led successful recruitment efforts across key specialties—including primary c... ... Read More

Flowood, MS – The last several months of the year are often spent enjoying cooler weather, watching football and preparing for the holidays. This is also a great time to review your health plan to determine whether you’ve met or are close to meeting your insurance deductible. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s time to check the balance for the remainder of the year. Scheduling elective procedures and preventive screenings before the end of the year can help to maximize your healthcare d... ... Read More

Employees at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital recently raised $900 through a sweatshirt fundraiser to benefit the Jackson Stitchery Guild (JSG). Since July 2020, the Guild has donated more than 600 handmade pillows to mastectomy patients at the hospital, offering comfort and support during recovery. Despite rising costs of materials, the JSG continues to uphold its mission of compassion and care. Each pillow is carefully sewn to be both machine washable and dryable, requiring more than an hour and a half t... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS – Merit Health has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’ healthspan – how long a person is healthy and free of disease – is decreasing. Baby Boomers are more likely than their parent... ... Read More

Merit Health Medical Group is proud to welcome Erin Bass, FNP-C, to its growing team of healthcare providers. Erin joins Dr. Donald Baker and Reagan Vaughn, PA, at two Merit Health orthopedic clinics, one located at 2841 MS-18 A, Brandon, and the other located at 1860 Chadwick Drive, Suite 150 A, in Jackson. Erin brings extensive experience in orthopedic care and a deep commitment to helping patients restore mobility and live pain-free. As a certified family nurse practitioner, she provides diagnosis an... ... Read More

Merit Health is excited to announce that board-certified interventional cardiologist Julia Thompson, M.D., is now seeing patients at a new location at 200 Key Drive in Madison, in addition to her current practice in Flowood. This expansion reflects Merit Health’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to high-quality, specialized care in the communities we serve. By offering cardiology services in Madison, Dr. Thompson is helping make it more convenient for local residents to receive heart care without... ... 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