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NATCHEZ – Merit Health Natchez conducted more than 104,000 patient encounters during 2024 and created a total economic impact of an estimated $66 million, according to an annual report.

According to its most recent Community Benefit Report, Merit Health Natchez provided more than 104,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the hospital is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy.

The health system successfully recruited two new healthcare providers to the area to enhance access to services. Physician Assistant Brett Larsen joined the Merit Health Medical Group Orthopedic Clinic and nurse practitioner Kenzie Sims joined Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic.

“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said Kevin Samrow, chief executive officer of Merit Health Natchez. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in the Miss-Lou Region.”

Merit Health Natchez’s emergency room provides lifesaving, medically necessary care with almost 19,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, Merit Health Natchez provided more than $29 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.

The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for local food banks and contributions to charitable organizations such as The Children’s Advocacy Center, The Black Mustard Seed Community Service Group, and the Natchez City Cemetery Association, Merit Health Natchez gives back to the community throughout the year.

To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, Merit Health Natchez is investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. Capital projects in 2024 totaled $787,200 with the installation of new anesthesia equipment to support surgical services, new lab equipment and upgrades to Information Technology. Access to care has been enhanced with the addition of a nurse practitioner in the Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic and a Physician Assistant in the Merit Health Medical Group Orthopedic Clinic.

“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said Samrow. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”

Merit Health Natchez is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of almost $30 million.

Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. Through a relationship with Alcorn School of Nursing, student nurses gain clinical experience at the hospital, working side by side with the nurses. This offers students the opportunity to complete their clinicals and supports development of a larger pool of nurses for the future.

In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Merit Health Natchez paid approximately $5.5 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.

Merit Health Natchez is a Joint Commission-accredited hospital with 179-beds and offers a broad range of services, including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, labor and delivery, radiology, outpatient diagnostic testing, physical therapy and more. Merit Health Natchez holds additional accreditations from the Joint Commission, the American College of Radiology for mammography, and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

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