Merit Health River Region, in honor of its dedicated medical staff members, is celebrating National Doctors’ Day by donating $6,000 to Haven House Family Shelter, hospital officials announced Friday.

“This significant donation underlines the hospital;s commitment not just to their patients, but also to the wider community,” officials with Merit Health River Region said.

National Doctors’ Day, celebrated annually on March 30, is a day to appreciate the immense contributions of doctors and medical staff in caring for patients and their communities. This year, Merit Health River Region’s physicians chose to support Haven House Family Shelter, a critical refuge for victims of domestic and family violence in Vicksburg.

Haven House Family Shelter provides essential services to victims and their children, including crisis intervention, safe shelter, outreach services, court advocacy, counseling, education, and referrals. As domestic violence is the most reported crime in Vicksburg, the physicians acknowledged the importance of extending their support to this organization, which is tirelessly dedicated to empowering victims to become survivors.

“Our physicians are not only pillars of healthcare but also pillars of our community. They chose to support Haven House Family Shelter, reflecting their deep concern and commitment to addressing urgent social issues, such as domestic violence. We are proud to make this donation in their honor, enabling Haven House to continue their critical work in our community,” Merit Health River Region Assistant CEO Trevor Spradling said.

Thursday, leadership from Merit Health River Region presented the donation to Haven House Family Shelter. The funds will be used to improve sanitary sleeping conditions for women and children, including purchasing mattress covers for beds and making necessary repairs and upgrades to the shelter.

Merit Health River Region officials said the hospital is proud to honor its medical staff in this meaningful way and is committed to continuing its support for the community.

About Merit Health River Region

Merit Health River Region is your community healthcare provider, a 261-bed facility with inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, emergency, and medical and surgical services. The dedicated patient care team consists of trained medical professionals, skilled nurses, compassionate support staff and volunteers working together to provide patient-centered care in a professional and personal environment. We are a care leader, as Mississippi's first accredited Chest Pain Center and the state's first digital mammography center. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.