News Releases & Announcements

Staff Report
The Marks Review

In March, 2021, James and Doris Jeffcoat opened for service and promised Quitman County a first class grocery store. The grocery store property had been vacant for several years plunging the entire county into what has been called a food desert. This inability to purchase food was reversed when the freshly retooled and remodeled store was opened.

James Jeffcoat said, “We have accomplished that goal with a dedicated staff ready to serve you. Our Store Manager, Debbie Hearn is always ready to go above and beyond to take care of customers.”

“We are lucky to have Richard Swearingin as our meat market manager. He is able to handle any cut of meat Richard‘s market crew is very knowledgeable and happy to assist customers.”

Jeffcoat continued, “Our Deli Manager, Marion Stanford is an excellent cook and has three loyal staff members that make our deli special. We have delicious food at the right price. We strive to provide good customer service, which means you are important to us.”

“Just ask Jarodo in the grocery department, Kristen in the meat market or Jarodo in produce or any other staff member. They are all eager to help.’

Store Manager Debbie Hearn express thanks for the team members who are dedicated to serving customers

In summing up, Jeffcoat said, “We know that a building is just a building. It’s the employees that make it special. We know there are bigger stores in Clarksdale and in Batesville, Those store closed during the ice storm which crippled this region two months ago. We did not close. We look forward to seeing you and serving you and appreciate your continued support.”

During the ice storm, Jeffcoats Family Market did in fact suffer significant roof damage as a collapse occur on about half of the structure. Not to be stopped, James’ staff moved merchandise to the part of the store which received no damage and continued grocery service, never closing the store.

Debbie said, “Several of the team members who lived in town walked to work in the freezing cold to be here on time, while others had someone they trusted to bring them. They made a real effort when it would have been so easy to say – I can’t get there.”

The repairs were completed in an amazing 5 weeks and now the store is back in service, 100% better than ever.
Store Manager Hearn, “We believe family comes first. We are always looking for individuals that are friendly and instilled with good moral & work ethics to join our team.

Congressman Bennie Thompson discusses the challenges of rural health with healthcare leaders. Photo by: Carleigh Harbin, Progressive Health Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBMITTED BY: Progressive Health Group Staff

Congressman Bennie Thompson and Congresswoman Katherine Clark Visit Progressive Health of Marks to Address Rural Health Challenges

Marks, Mississippi – June 19 — Progressive Health of Marks, a Critical Access Hospital serving the rural community of Quitman County, recently hosted U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson and Congresswoman Katherine Clark for a focused discussion on the challenges and future of rural health care.

The visit centered on critical issues impacting rural hospitals, including limited funding, workforce shortages, and access to care for underserved populations. Key topics included the proposed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ potential Medicaid cuts, and the urgent need for long-term policy solutions to stabilize and strengthen health care in rural areas.

Congressman Thompson and Congresswoman Clark toured the hospital, met with staff, providers, and administrators, and participated in a roundtable with local officials and health care advocates. The discussion emphasized the need for federal support and legislative action to ensure that rural hospitals can continue to provide essential services to their communities.

Progressive Health of Marks, which reopened in 2021 after being closed for five years, offers 24/7 emergency care, radiology, respiratory therapy, lab services, and is expanding to include an inpatient senior care unit and an Intensive Outpatient Program to address the gap in mental health services in this community. As one of the few remaining health care providers in the region, the hospital plays a vital role in sustaining the health and well-being of Quitman County residents.

The visit reinforced the importance of keeping rural health care at the forefront of national conversations, particularly as policymakers consider reforms that could significantly impact hospitals in low-access areas.Media Contact:

Carleigh Harbin
Marketing
(662) 273-8424
carleigh@phghealth.com
https://www.phgmarks.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8,  2021

Quentin Whitwell, CEO Panola Med
P: 662.388.0700
www.panolamed.com

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(MARKS, MS) It is miraculous! The local stakeholders and residents of Quitman County are awaiting the highly-anticipated reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the county’s rural access hospital, scheduled for November 12, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2021

Quentin Whitwell, CEO Panola Med
P:662.388.0700
www.panolamed.com

Closed Critical Access Hospital in Marks, MS Slated to Reopen

(MARKS, MS) – The hospital in Quitman County closed on October 31, 2016, as the county’s largest employer with 99 people. Without healthcare, despondency has grown with in the unemployed. Current acute healthcare situations have worsened due to the length of time it takes to receive critical medical and healthcare services in neighboring counties, which is at minimum a 30-minute drive. (more…)

In the near future the citizens of Quitman County will be able to get onto an elevator to access the second floor of the historic courthouse to attend public meetings and court proceedings. Obtaining this elevator was made possible through the Board of Supervisors’ submission of a proposal and resolution for the renovations of the 110-year-old courthouse building. (more…)