Written by Lori Smith and Amy Garner

The need for a new, modern hospital in Jackson, TN, became critical during World War II, as the population in the area grew. Three small community hospitals, operating at the time, were combined to form a 123-bed hospital with 166 employees due to the persistence of civic clubs, local leaders, and the Tennessee General Assembly. The Tennessee legislature created the private act in 1949 to form Jackson-Madison County General Hospital District (“the District”) to provide a full range of healthcare with due regard for the needs of low income and indigent patients. Jackson-Madison County General Hospital opened the door to treat its first patient on August 11, 1950.

The District, known as West Tennessee Healthcare, has now grown into a comprehensive health system operating hospitals and clinics, as well as providing other healthcare services, and now employs over 7,000 people throughout the region. In 2020, the health system worked with leaders across West Tennessee to lead the charge against the Covid-19 pandemic. West Tennessee Medical Group has become the largest multi-specialty group in the area reaching nearly 200 providers. West Tennessee Healthcare is currently working with the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation to raise money to build the first Hospice Home outside of Memphis or Nashville.

The mission of West Tennessee Healthcare is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and compassionate care. The goal of high quality healthcare addresses West Tennessee Healthcare’s success in delivering on its mission as a healthcare provider. All relevant data and information are utilized to establish our organization’s performance in providing quality healthcare. The goal focuses on improving healthcare outcomes, service delivery results, and functional status. The goal also focuses on achieving superior results relative to other organizations that deliver similar healthcare services.

A Board of Trustees Appointed by the City of Jackson and Madison County is charged with the oversight of West Tennessee Healthcare. The system is completely self-supporting and does not operate on local tax revenues.

West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations serving 19 counties in West Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. The mission of West Tennessee Healthcare is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wth.org.