Some of the communities we serve experienced extreme weather this spring, but Baptist’s team members responded quickly to help storm victims. On March 24, a violent EF4 tornado tore through the small community of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, located about 40 miles west of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Yazoo. On March 31, an EF3 tornado severely affected Tipton County and damaged Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton.
“Baptist Yazoo treated many storm victims. While there was no significant damage in Yazoo County, many members of the community know people and have family members who were affected by the storm,” said Mac Flynt, CEO and administrator of Baptist Yazoo and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Attala.
According to Flynt, some Baptist Yazoo team members emerged from the storm with damaged homes, and others experienced total loss of their homes.
“Many Baptist Yazoo team members responded after the storm — both at the hospital and in the communities affected,” said Flynt, who wasn’t surprised by the team’s community spirit. “When you walk into the hospital, it doesn’t take long to understand the family atmosphere and amount of heart our team members have for serving others. They understand their calling. I’m proud of every team member and grateful for their service and the quality care they deliver.”
Parker Harris, CEO and administrator of Baptist Tipton and Baptist Cancer Center infusion centers, said Tipton County was devastated on the evening of March 31.
“One of the tornados peaked as an EF3 and ripped right through the heart of Covington. By the grace of God, only around 30 individuals were injured, along with one unfortunate fatality. The tornado tracked just to the west of the hospital, about 500 yards away. More than 500 structures were damaged or destroyed, according to preliminary reports from federal agencies,” said Harris.
Baptist Tipton experienced damage to the southern and eastern sections of the roof. Some of the damage was to newly installed roof sections. In addition to the roof, the hospital’s rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, a large chiller and numerous windows and glass sections were damaged. The hospital also experienced electrical/mechanical issues because of damage to the power grid.
Working with CBRE, Baptist Tipton leaders and its facilities team quickly acted to make all needed repairs to the hospital.
Two Baptist Tipton team members had extensive damage to their homes after the storm. The team members were not injured but are working to recover from the storm’s impact.
Harris said that it was amazing to see the staff come together — both during and after the storm.
“There was never a single second of concern or hesitation by any of the Baptist Tipton team. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the physicians and staff at Baptist Tipton. Within 25 minutes of the tornado passing, there were more than 50 staff and seven doctors prepared and ready for any emergency brought on by the storm. I am so proud of this phenomenal team,” said Harris.
