About Baptist Health Systems

Baptist Health Systems is the parent company of Baptist Medical Center, The Mississippi Hospital for Restorative Care and a number of related healthcare services and programs. From its beginnings in 1911, Baptist has grown to include a 564-bed medical center, along with a variety of health and medical services for people in every stage of life. Through the decades, Baptist has continued to provide quality, compassionate Christian-based medical care to the people of Mississippi. :: Read our strategic plan.

History
Baptist Medical Center began in 1908 as a clinic run by two Jackson doctors, Dr. John Farrar Hunter and Dr. Harley Shands. In 1911, the Mississippi Baptist Convention acquired the property and began operating it as Mississippi Baptist Hospital. Through the years, Baptist grew and developed, becoming Mississippi's premier healthcare provider.

In 1976, Baptist Hospital moved from its aging facilities into its present location at 1225 North State Street, and changed its name to Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. In 1996, sensing the need to equip Baptist for the future, and to acknowledge the need to establish and maintain services beyond the walls of the hospital, Baptist's Board of Trustees created Baptist Health Systems.

In September 2006, Baptist broke ground on a new tower addition located on the west side of Baptist Medical Center. The six-level tower, housing the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women, officially opened for patient care on January 12, 2009. The addition of this 205,000 square feet tower marks the 100-year anniversary of the hospital’s operation on this site in Jackson. :: Click here to learn more.

Governance
Baptist Health Systems is guided by a 15-member volunteer board of trustees, consisting of top-echelon leaders in business, medicine, clergy and other fields. In its daily operations, Baptist adheres to ethical and spiritual values consistent with those of the Mississippi Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. Baptist strives to emulate Christ's ministry of help and healing for all who seek its services.