About Rush Health Systems
About Rush Health Systems:
Rush Health Systems is a growing regional healthcare system comprised of seven hospitals and more than fifty specialty and primary care practices. Since 1915, our caregivers, hospitals and clinics are dedicated to making quality healthcare as accessible as possible for the citizens of East Central Mississippi and West Alabama. To accomplish this, Rush is continually investing in new and updated facilities and in the latest treatment and care, in a compliant environment.
Rush Foundation Hospital, a 215-bed facility founded in 1915 as the Rush Infirmary is dedicated to providing cutting edge technology, quality care and services to all our patients. We are dedicated to continuing the growth and development of healthcare programs and specialties based on the needs of our community.
The Specialty Hospital of Meridian, a long term acute care hospital that offers long-term choices for non-permanent patients who require extended recovery time within a hospital setting.
Other Rush Health Systems affiliates include five, 25 bed critical access hospitals located in the region: Laird Hospital in Union, MS, H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital in Quitman, MS, Scott Regional Medical Center in Morton, MS, John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital in DeKalb, MS and Choctaw General Hospital in Butler, AL; Medical Foundation, Inc., a network of providers with primary care and specialty clinics located in East Mississippi and West Alabama; and Rush Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician group located in Meridian, Mississippi provides specialized care for all ages.
Each of these efforts targets different groups and their health needs. However, they each have the same goal—to promote better health and provide the people of East Central Mississippi with the information and resources they need to lead healthier lives with access to quality medical care and services.
About Meridian, Mississippi:
Recognized as the center of East Mississippi and West Alabama, Meridian is located at the intersection of two major interstates: I-20 and I-59 and five highways. Meridian is within a 1 day’s drive of 55% of the US population.
Proximity to Major Regional Markets:
Location Miles from Meridian, MS
Atlanta, GA ......................... 297
Birmingham, AL .................. 154
Dallas, TX ........................... 493
Memphis, TN ....................... 231
New Orleans, LA .................. 202
Meridian features a regional airport with commercial service and Amtrak Crescent rail service which connect the area with New Orleans and the East Coast, from Atlanta to New York.
Outdoor activities abound year-round in Meridian. With the area's moderate climate, golf, tennis, walking, jogging, biking, camping, baseball, softball, tennis and other such activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. Bonita Lakes features 33,000 acres of land with two large lakes, nature trails, jogging and walking trails, horseback riding, fishing and playgrounds.
There are numerous shopping opportunities around Meridian, including Bonita Lakes Mall which features numerous specialty and anchor stores and a nine-screen United Artists Theatre. In addition, Bonita Lakes Crossings features shopping and dining, and several unique downtown boutiques have been featured in Mississippi Magazine and Southern Living.
Also available in Meridian is the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts. A timeless classic, the center is a state-of-the-art, multi-functioning facility tempered with the splendid architecture and style of a bygone era. Housed in a 900-plus-seat fully restored Grand Opera House the center host over 30-world class performances a year.
We are very proud to be home of Naval Air Station, Meridian. NAS Meridian is approximately 15 miles northeast of the city of Meridian and serves as one of the Navy's two jet strike pilot training facilities. Their primary mission is to support Commander, Training Air Wing ONE, the wing's subordinate training squadrons and its associated T-45 Goshawk aircraft in the conduct of undergraduate strike pilot training. Meridian is a very military-friendly town, and the local community has rallied around NAS Meridian through several rounds of BRAC, to prevent the base from being moved or shut down. The military leadership maintains a healthy relationship with local community leaders, and organizations.
Meridian’s history is tied to transportation. The town was built around a railroad that brought visitors and prosperity alike. Much of the current downtown was built during the economic boom of the early 20th century. Today, a revitalization effort continues as the community works to recapture the economic vitality of a vibrant and inviting downtown.
As it was in the past, Meridian remains a strategic location for transportation of goods, be rail or road. While building on its logistical advantages for industrial growth, Meridian and Lauderdale County have become a regional center for healthcare, recreation, retail and culture. East Mississippi and West Alabama continue to look to Meridian for many of the amentities that provide a high quality of life. With a great sense of community, Meridianites work hard, but they love to play hard as well.