Children’s of Mississippi

05/19/2026

There were plenty of smiles and a few extra kangaroos hopping through the NICU as teams celebrated Kangaroo Care Day at Children’s of Mississippi. 🦘 Staff members dressed in festive kangaroo gear helped bring attention to the importance of skin-to-skin bonding, while also celebrating the strength of NICU families and the powerful impact kangaroo care can have on a baby’s growth, comfort and development. 🥰🌈

05/15/2026

Many children can begin swim lessons as early as age 1, but every child develops differently. Healthy Children, the American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website, offers helpful tips for parents on choosing swim lessons, building water safety skills and creating safer experiences around pools, lakes and other water activities. Read more: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Swim-Lessons.aspx

05/14/2026

Children’s of Mississippi is proud to recognize Dr. Taylor Mayes with the Top of the Tower award 🏆💓 This award celebrates outstanding team members whose care, kindness and commitment reflect the mission of our children’s hospital. We are grateful for the impact Dr. Mayes makes for patients, families and fellow team members every day.

05/13/2026

A simple book can bring comfort, distraction and a moment of peace during a hospital stay 💙 In honor of their daughter, Cove, Walker and Aly Winter recently donated books to our PICU and NICU to support other families during difficult moments. Their kindness is a beautiful reminder of how love can continue to touch the lives of children and families throughout our hospital.

05/12/2026

Getting to see a real ultrasound machine in action made science come alive for students at Hartfield Academy 💙 Members of our Children’s heart center team recently visited the school’s medical science club to share how pediatric cardiac sonography helps care for children with heart conditions. We love seeing our team inspire the next generation of health care professionals while helping students learn more about the hearts behind the work.

05/11/2026

Behind every float, runner and volunteer is a shared mission to help Mississippi kids. 💚 Leaders from Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival recently presented more than $205,000 to Children’s of Mississippi, continuing a partnership that impacts patients and families across the state.
Read more about the people making it happen: https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/05/Hals-St-Paddys-parade.html

05/08/2026

📣 Applications are open for the 2027 Children’s of Mississippi Patient Ambassador Program! We’re inviting former and current Children’s of Mississippi patients ages 1–17 to apply and help share their stories, inspire hope, and raise awareness for our hospital.
💙 A parent or legal guardian can nominate their child by completing the Family Interest Form:
👉 https://www.umc.edu/Development/Community/Get-Involved/Join/PA-Nom-Form.html
Please share this post with families who may be interested!
Questions? Amber Magee 📞 601‑213‑8054 📩 amagee1@umc.edu
Nominations close May 13!

📣 We’re now accepting submissions for our 2027 Patient Ambassador program!

Each year, this special program highlights 12–14 patients who represent Children’s of Mississippi by sharing their stories across a variety of platforms. As we begin selecting ambassadors for 2027, we invite former and current patients who are interested in participating to apply.

Patients must be between the ages of 1-17 years, a former or current COM patient and able to serve for one year.

If you would like your child to be considered, please review and complete the Family Interest Form: https://www.umc.edu/Development/Community/Get-Involved/Join/PA-Nom-Form.html

⏳ Applications are only open for a limited time. Be sure to submit your form by May 13!

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with families who may be interested. 💙

For questions, please contact: Amber Magee, Development Specialist. Phone: 601-213-8054 | Email: amagee1@umc.edu

05/07/2026

In May 1997, a new era of pediatric care began in Mississippi with the opening of the children’s hospital we know today as Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.
The Batson Tower was named in honor of Dr. Blair E. Batson, recognizing his lifetime of extraordinary contributions to improving the health and well‑being of children across the state. His vision helped pave the way for modern pediatric care — bringing together innovation, compassion and family‑centered design under one roof. Nearly three decades later, the Batson name continues to symbolize hope, progress and a commitment to Mississippi’s children. 💙🏥

05/06/2026

Reece • Age 12 • Brandon
Born with cytomegalovirus, Reece faced profound hearing loss. But at just six months old, thanks to the expert care of Dr. Jeff Carron at Children’s ENT, Reece received bilateral cochlear implants – a gift that allowed him to hear, speak and tell his parents, “I love you”. Now 11, Reece is thriving. He loves his dogs, video games, music and cheering on MSU sports.

05/05/2026

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common (and usually mild) illness that most often affects young children — especially in summer and fall. It often starts like a cold, then shows up as small blisters on the mouth, hands or feet. The good news? Symptoms typically clear up within a week. This guidance comes from Healthy Children, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ trusted parenting resource. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease.aspx

05/01/2026

It’s almost May in Mississippi, which means lawn mowing season is in full swing. 🚜 According to Healthy Children, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting website, power lawn mowers send thousands of children to the emergency room every year. Most of these injuries are preventable — especially by keeping young children indoors and making sure only mature teens are mowing. Before you hand over the mower, take a few minutes to review age guidelines and safety tips: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Lawnmower-Safety.aspx