The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Merit Health Biloxi support the health and well-being of patients who turn to the hospital for expert care. Beyond providing clinical care, Merit Health Biloxi is a cornerstone of our
community and a major contributor to the economic health of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a major employer and tax-payer and through resources it invests to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $129 million in 2022.
Care was provided at more than 101 thousand patient encounters, including more than 26 thousand emergency department visits, more than three thousand inpatient admissions and more than five thousand surgeries. Over 65 thousand patients received care across its affiliated clinics and imaging centers. Joywas delivered to local families with the birth of more than 750 babies.
“We help people in our community get well and live healthier by striving to provide safe, quality care for our patients,” said Travis Sisson, chief executive officer of Merit Health Biloxi. “I’m proud of the dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers here in Biloxi who are working to make a real difference each and every day.”
Merit Health Biloxi also gives back to the broader Mississippi Gulf Coast region by providing over $82 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $3.9 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services.
Working with local charitable and community organizations, Merit Health Biloxi teamed up to benefit the community through visiting schools and health fairs to promote hands-only CPR, and through participating in multi-agency response drills to increase awareness and preparedness should a mass casualty event take place in the community.
The hospital’s payroll of more than $33 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospital added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement.
CEO Sisson continued, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making the Mississippi Gulf Coast a healthier, better community for all.”
Merit Health Biloxi is working to help develop the next generation of clinicians by hosting high school students for career shadowing and welcoming clinical students from over 20 nearby colleges and training facilities as they participate in clinical rotations at the hospital.
To help the community live healthier, Merit Health Biloxi offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at www.merithealthbiloxi.com/enewsletter-sign-up