Baptist Memorial celebrates lease transfer of Merit Health Rankin and addresses future of the hospital

WHAT:           The lease for Merit Health Rankin was officially transferred to Baptist Memorial Health Care on Oct. 1. Baptist Memorial leaders, including the new hospital administrator and CEO, will be joined by hospital employees and physicians and Rankin County leaders to celebrate the lease transfer, unveil the hospital’s new name and discuss the future of the hospital.

WHEN:           Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

                        10 a.m.

WHERE:         Merit Health Rankin (upstairs lobby)

350 Crossgates Blvd.

Brandon, MS 39042

BACKGROUND: The Rankin County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on June 2 to assign the lease for Merit Health Rankin hospital to Baptist Memorial Health Care. The lease transfer was completed on Oct. 1 and included the 134-bed community-oriented hospital located at 350 Crossgates Blvd. in Brandon, Mississippi, and an 18-bed senior care program (geriatric psychiatry).

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

·       Jason Little, President and CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care

·       Chris Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Baptist Memorial Health Care

·       Brad Beattie, Administrator and CEO, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Rankin County

·       Garrett Wright, Executive Director, Rankin First

·       Hospital leaders, employees and physicians

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