MSU-Meridian, Baptist Anderson create student care clinic

Contact: Marianne Todd

MERIDIAN, Miss.—Mississippi State University-Meridian and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center are announcing a new collaboration to provide more than 500 university students with direct access to one of the city’s primary care clinics for minor illnesses and injuries.

“Student overall wellness has been a topic of conversation and now has come to fruition,” said Deanna Smith, associate dean of students. “Baptist Anderson Family Medical Center Meridian is helping meet the needs of students with office visits paid for by Mississippi State University.”

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center Administrator and CEO John G. Anderson said hospital officials are excited about expanding their longstanding relationship with MSU-Meridian to meet immediate student healthcare needs.

“We are proud to work with MSU-Meridian to support local students and provide another avenue for them to access quality healthcare,” Anderson said. “Primary care is the foundation to well-being and overall health, and this clinic will give students easy access to quick care for such conditions as colds, stomach bugs or sprained ankles.”

The clinic, which is part of Baptist’s large network, will be connected to Baptist’s electronic health record system and patient portal, powered by Epic, helping provide seamless communication between providers and students. Students will also have access to Baptist’s 35 subspecialties if their condition requires a higher level of care.

Colton Wilson, a student ambassador enrolled in MSU-Meridian’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, said the clinic will be utilized by students who are insured, underinsured, or not insured at all.

“I am from Booneville, which is near Tupelo, and in order to see my primary care provider I have to schedule an appointment and go home,” he said. “I’m a full-time PA student, so I don’t get to see my provider at all. Being in PA school is stressful enough, and with stress you more easily become sick, so many of us will be taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Free office visits mean students with no or little insurance, or who are struggling financially, are more likely to be treated, he said.

“This makes it so much more affordable and so much more accessible,” Wilson said.

Smith said the partnership enhances student health initiatives already underway at the Meridian campus. Students may take advantage of a reduced rate gym membership at Shape Up 24/7 Gym and have unlimited access to mental health services through Weems Community Mental Health Center, she said.

“I think it’s going to help our students with overall wellness,” Smith said. “A healthy student equals a successful student.”

The clinic, at 1523 22nd Ave., is less than a mile from MSU-Meridian’s downtown campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The clinic will see students as walk-ins or by appointment.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.