Merit Health Celebrates National Hospital Week
5/12/2025
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 wide range of professionals across clinical and non-clinical departments.
“Our hospitals and clinics operate as a cohesive team,” said Dr. Greg Oden, Chief Medical Officer of Merit Health. “From physicians and nurses to registration staff, plant operations, environmental services, food and nutrition, pharmacy, lab, and supply chain teams — every role is essential to delivering care and ensuring a positive patient experience.”
National Hospital Week, observed each May, serves as a time to spotlight the full spectrum of individuals working in healthcare. From the first point of contact in scheduling and admissions to those preparing meals, managing medical supplies, maintaining facilities, performing diagnostic testing, filling prescriptions, transporting patients, and providing direct medical care — the healing process relies on a collective effort.
“Hospital Week is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the dedication and teamwork that happens behind the scenes every day,” Dr. Oden said. “We are incredibly proud of the people who make up our healthcare family, and we are grateful for the impact they have on the patients and communities we serve.”
Merit Health will be recognizing employees throughout the week with a series of appreciation events and messages of thanks, underscoring the organization's commitment to supporting and uplifting its workforce.
“Healthcare is a calling, and it’s carried out with excellence here across all our facilities,” added Dr. Oden. “This week, and every week, we thank our team for their service, their skill, and their heart.”
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