Meridian Star

Local News

October 16, 2006

Pickering visits Greater Meridian Health Clinic

Unable to attend Thursday's 20th anniversary celebration for Greater Meridian Health Clinic, U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering visited the facility Monday to congratulate the staff and meet with its administration.

"I want to congratulate and commend you for 20 years of service to the community and for the alliance you have made as you care for them, as you help them, and as you heal them," Pickering said. "I'm very proud to support your work and your mission."

In the first year Greater Meridian opened its doors, the facility served more than 5,000 patients in its five-county service area, which includes Lauderdale, Kemper, Noxubee, Winston and Oktibbeha. Twenty years later, more than 100,000 patients are served annually.

"The demand for medical care assistance continues to grow because many employers are unable to provide health care for their employees or employees are unable to afford insurance," said Wilbert Jones, the clinic's chief executive officer.

Pickering said local and government officials are committed to assisting community health centers such as Greater Meridian in meeting those increased demands.

"We're trying to expand our community health centers and increase the support we provide them," he said.

The congressman's visit also included a stop in the clinic's pharmacy. Representatives of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer also were present.

"We've been very fortunate to be able to partner with Pfizer's Share and Care Prescription Program, which has provided for patients who would otherwise not be able to have some of their prescriptions filled," said Robert Bowles, one of the clinic's pharmacists. "They have been very generous in their giving to our clinic."

According to Pfizer representative John Whittington, the company donated more than $1.3 million in prescription medicines last year to Greater Meridian.

"Hopefully, we can do more this year," Whittington said. "This is one of eight partnerships we have in the state and it is indeed a partnership. We can't just back the truck up and hand out drugs, it's a lot more extra time and effort. And we appreciate what Greater Meridian is doing to get these drugs to the patients to help them lead healthier lives."

Text Only
Local News
  • Flag In memory of those who died

        A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
        But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Choctaw Expressions to be showcased

        The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
        The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30.

    May 29, 2012

  • Farmer's Market Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday

        Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
        The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Purple Heart WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart

        About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Man dies of gunshot wound

        Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.

    May 27, 2012

  • Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012

    May 27, 2012

  • leading_edges.jpg Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising

        If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • WWI_purple_heart.jpg Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • Partnership in place for safety blitz

    May 26, 2012

  • timekeepers.jpg Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans

        When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.

    May 26, 2012 1 Photo

Facebook
Helium debate
Helium
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report 15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108 Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com