When Hurricane Katrina devastated much of Mississippi in 2005, it created a need to quickly deliver medical information to those who could get to a radio. UMMC’s Dr. Rick deShazo and Mississippi Public Broadcasting filled that void. After 13 years of imparting medical wit and wisdom, “Dr. Rick” is retiring, although the show will continue.

On average, one person dies of suicide every 23 hours in Mississippi. However, those with thoughts of suicide can get professional help or draw on strategies to better cope with increased distress. UMMC experts say the goal is to de-escalate high-running emotions and to let patients know there is hope, even when they're depressed or anxious.

When the leader of the nation’s top hospital accrediting body visited UMMC in 2015, the Medical Center was beginning a new journey toward becoming a high reliability organization that gives safety and quality performance the highest priority. Dr. Mark Chassin will return to UMMC June 18 to offer advice and review the institution's progress.

Known for its generosity to Friends of Children’s Hospital through the Sanderson Farms Championship, Century Club Charities expanded its philanthropy by hosting the inaugural North Mississippi Classic in April. Since 2013, Century Club Charities has donated more than $5.5 million to support Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.

UMMC leadership extends its sympathy to the families of former Medical Center members Dr. Alan Freeland and Dr. Raymond Grill in appreciation for their loved ones’ contributions to the academic health sciences center.

Medical Center leadership is proud to acknowledge those employees who will celebrate service anniversaries during the week of June 11-17.

Several interesting events are scheduled for the upcoming weeks at the Medical Center.