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In recognition of National Doctors’ Day, celebrated each year on March 30, Merit Health Natchez made a charitable contribution to the Natchez Cemetery Association in honor of its medical staff.

The day is set aside to recognize physicians for their skills, sacrifice and service to the community.

“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. “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, members of the medical staff decided to support The Natchez City Cemetery.

“We are thrilled to accept this donation of $2,000 to benefit our beautiful city cemetery,” said Pokey O’Beirne, President of the Natchez Cemetery Association. “The cemetery is dependent on
donations such as this one to help keep the 103 acres maintained. We are a volunteer group dedicated to the preservation of our local city cemetery and all proceeds are used to maintain and improve the cemetery,” concluded O’Beirne.

The city cemetery was established in 1822 on the bluffs high above the Mississippi River, its occupants’ stories reveal the history, grandeur, mystery and tragedy that tell the story of Natchez.

“We applaud the work of the volunteers and the wonderful job they do to maintain this historical and beautiful cemetery and the medical staff of Merit Health Natchez is honored to be a part of its preservation,” said Dr. Christopher Martin, Chief of Staff, Merit Health Natchez.

Doctor’s Day was first observed in Winder, Georgia. Started by Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of a prominent Georgian doctor, the day was meant to recognize and honor doctors for their service. She decided the best way to do that was to mail greeting cards to all the doctors she knew and to place flowers on the graves of deceased doctors.

She used red carnations- a flower still used to this day for National Doctors’ Day celebrations.

Each year, on March 30, we celebrate National Doctors’ Day to honor the professionals for their dedication and contributions to the community and society.