I’m going to work hard to try to make this sound like something other than some fluff PR piece. I don’t mean it to be such, and if you knew me well enough to understand just how difficult I am to please, this would take on more meaning for you.

Thing is, I’m smitten with Vicksburg. The longer I’m here and the more I learn about this community, the stronger the crush. I’ve lived in a bunch of places during my adult life. Vicksburg becomes more of a contender for the top spot every day.

In short order after arriving, I learned about the way people work together and the enthusiasm for the future and the pride for all Vicksburg enjoys now. We have a bunch more working together to do. For instance, economics are going to become more and more of a challenge and our city and county governments need to look more at how they can work together to consolidate services. But that’s a topic for another day.

Still, this little community of 20,000 or so people has some amazing things going for it. Sometimes the assets of a community are difficult for natives of the area to recognize. Sometimes, those who have lived in one area all of their lives need to take a fresh look at their community through the eyes of those who are newcomers and who have experience living elsewhere.

From my perspective, Vicksburg has it going on.

One of the qualities decision makers look for when they seek a place to start or grow a business or manufacturing facility is the area’s access to quality health care.

Last week, I had the opportunity to learn that health care in Vicksburg is in excellent shape.

After having a little episode, my doctor referred me to cardiologist Paul Pierce IV. He performed a procedure in the Cath Lab at Merit Health River Region. The good news is all is well.

But, wow! Here’s where I’m going to sound like a cheerleader: Dr. Pierce is as good as they get. He’s knowledgeable, exudes confidence and is down-to-earth. I have no doubt he’s doing exactly the job God put him on this Earth to do. He is passionate about the heart, took the time to tell me precisely what was going to happen and went over every possible outcome. I would — and did — trust him with my life. I knew from moment one of meeting him that I would be in very good hands, and I was.

And my experience at Merit Health simply couldn’t have been better. The facility is gorgeous and well cared for. Equipment, like that in the Cath Lab, is state of the art.

It’s truly a great feeling to know I live in a community in which quality health care providers are at work. The nurses and technicians in the Cath Lab are professional, efficient, organized and very caring. Several have great senses of humor, too, something I appreciate.

My experience with Dr. Pierce, his staff and the staff throughout the process at Merit Health River Region was exceptional.

It’s great to know we’re in good hands when it comes to health care in Vicksburg.

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Jan Griffey is editor of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at jan.griffey@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.