Tuesday was a special day in the history of our organization. It was the day we celebrated the “topping out,” or the placement of the final structural beam, on the new Baptist North Mississippi hospital.
The topping out event was noteworthy for several reasons, mostly because it brings us that much closer to providing enhanced care to the people of North Mississippi. When it opens, the new hospital will improve our community’s physical health, but it is already enhancing the area’s economic health.
This construction project, which is the largest in Lafayette County’s history, is bringing $80 million in business to local companies, 2,000 jobs and $9 million to local tax rolls. Many people are benefiting from the hospital before it even opens its doors.
I’m so grateful that we are able to make that kind of impact, not only in the Oxford area, but in communities throughout West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas. Systemwide, we have a $2.6 billion economic impact on our communities. But I’m even more grateful for the immeasurable impact you have on our patients and our communities. No one can put a price on that.