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NATCHEZ — For the third year in a row, Merit Health Natchez chose a unique way to commemorate National Doctors’ Day and honor the providers who serve at the hospital.

In lieu of gifts, Merit Health Natchez presented a check on March 25 for $3,000 to the Natchez Stewpot as a meaningful way to recognize and honor its medical staff.

The first-ever Doctors’ Day was celebrated on March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians. March 30 was selected because that day in 1842 marks the introduction of general anesthesia in surgery.

On March 30, 1958, a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctors’ Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives on October 30, 1990, a joint resolution was signed into law by President George Bush designating March 30 as National Doctors’ Day.

“We are grateful to the doctors on our medical staff for the steadfast care provided to the thousands of patients we treat each year throughout our community,” said Kevin Samrow, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. “This donation is our way to say thank you to all of our medical staff. On this Doctors’ Day, please join me in reaching out to the physicians you know to say thank you. Today and every day, we acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, skills and unwavering concern for patients. Let’s be sure they know how grateful we are.”

Earlier this month, physicians on the medical staff decided to support the Natchez Stewpot. The mission of the Natchez Stewpot is to feed the hungry and provide volunteer opportunities for our community.

Since Christmas Day in 1984, the Natchez Stewpot has faithfully served meals to those that are hungry in our community — every single day of the year. Hunger takes no holidays nor does the Natchez Stewpot. The Stewpot serves 300 meals a day with 200 of them being delivered (via volunteers) to shut-ins. The Natchez Stewpot is literally a lifeline for many in our community. The entire budget for the Stewpot comes from donations from generous individuals and organizations.

“We are grateful to receive this generous donation from Merit Health Natchez in honor and recognition of their medical staff,” said Marcus Archer, director of the Stewpot.