Newsroom

Merit Health has named two outstanding leaders to key leadership roles at Merit Health Rankin and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital. At Merit Health Rankin, Joey Ferguson, B.S., RT(R)(MR), has been named hospital administrator. Joey's journey with Merit Health began in 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Joey has excelled in various pivotal roles, starting as the radiology director at Merit Health Central in 2016. His outstanding contrib... ... Read More

Merit Health announces that two of its outstanding employees, Holly Thomson and Mallory Vandevender, FNP-C, have been named among Rankin County's Top 40 Under 40. This prestigious recognition highlights the very best young professionals in the county, celebrating their roles as industry disruptors and innovators. Holly Thomson, a senior clinical recruiter for Merit Health, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and innovation in her role. Despite the challenges of extensive travel and the demands on her... ... Read More

Summer 2024 is predicted to bring on the heat which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib). “Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot, humid weather forces the... ... Read More

Residents of Magee and the surrounding areas now have convenient access to orthopedic care with the arrival of a new orthopedic provider, Reagan Vaughn, P.A. Vaughn joins Donald Baker, M.D., who has been a trusted orthopedic specialist in Magee for several years. The two Merit Health providers can now see patients every Thursday, starting July 25, at their clinic located at 300 3rd Ave. SE in Magee. The addition of Vaughn to Dr. Baker’s clinic ensures that residents will have access to specialized care ... ... Read More

Merit Health encourages men in Central Mississippi to get their annual wellness exam added to the calendar Research backs up the long-standing stereotype that men avoid going to the doctor. In fact, recent surveys show that approximately 44 percent of men don’t get an annual physical, and 60 percent of men won’t see a doctor if they suspect something is wrong. “Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, our bodies need routine and preventive maintenanc... ... Read More

In May, Merit Health wants to help women be the picture of health through Keep Your Selfie Healthy: A Women’s Health Week Challenge email series. Starting May 13, Merit Health will provide seven daily emails about women’s health issues, including menopause, heart disease and the prevalence of autoimmune, pelvic floor, and sleep disorders. The series is intended to help women focus on “their selfies.” To sign up, visit mymerithealth.com/womens-health-series . “Studies show that 50% of women skipped preve... ... Read More

Over the course of 2023, Merit Health played a vital role helping people get well and live healthier at more than 501,000 patient encounters across its hospitals and growing network of Merit Health Medical Group physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. At more than 89,000 emergency department visits each year, lifesaving medically necessary care is provided for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Members of the community who cannot fully afford their medical care are provided d... ... Read More

Merit Health recently held its second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the Mississippi Food Network. In celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Merit Health partnered with local businesses and organizations to help fight hunger in Central Mississippi, and through those efforts nearly 5,000 jars, more than 5,300 pounds, of peanut butter were donated to the Mississippi Food Network. Joining Merit Health in the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive were Ergon, Pafford... ... Read More

For the second year in a row, Merit Health found a unique way to thank the medical staff for National Doctors' Day. The Jackson area hospitals are expressing gratitude by directing contributions towards their chosen local charities in honor of their physicians. National Doctors’ Day serves as a moment to acknowledge physicians for their expertise, selflessness, and dedication to the community. And true to their character, Merit Health physicians chose to support local organizations instead of accepting ... ... Read More

Board certified cardiologist Alfredo Figueroa, M.D., has joined Merit Health in Flowood. Dr. Figueroa has a long-standing presence in our local medical community and brings with him a wealth of experience in the field of cardiology, having served patients in our area for many years. Dr. Figueroa focuses on the functions and disorders of the heart and circulatory system. His experience encompasses routine and preventive cardiac care, alongside the management of chronic cardiovascular conditions, ensuring... ... Read More