THE HOSPITAL
Regional Hospital of Jackson is a 154-bed facility located in Jackson, Tennessee. A thriving community, Jackson is settled in the western third of the State along Interstate 40, the major east-west corridor traversing the state. A mid-sized southern town, Jackson is large enough to attract significant industry and entertainment yet small enough to retain a commitment to family and community. The McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, with both a 6,000 ft and a 3,500 ft. runway, is located in Jackson and provides regular flights to and from St. Louis for connection with major airlines. Additionally, international airports are available in both Memphis (about an hour and a half drive) and Nashville (a little over two hours away). Regional Hospital of Jackson provides services not only to the city of Jackson, but also to Madison County. Including the population in the surrounding counties, Regional Hospital of Jackson maintains a service population ranging from 92,000 (Madison County) to 300,000 people (population including surrounding counties). Services provided by Regional Hospital of Jackson include: 24-hour emergency care, cardiac catheterization lab, cardiovascular unit, clinical laboratory, family birth center (including single room delivery concept), gastrointestinal lab, industrial/occupational services, medical intensive care unit, medical/surgical acute care, outpatient diabetes center, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory care, same day surgery, senior circle, sleep disorders center, and a women's imaging center. The staff at Regional Hospital of Jackson consists of physicians specializing in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, diabetes, ENT, family practice, gastroenterology, general surgery, internal medicine, interventional radiology, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, plastic surgery, podiatry, pulmonology, radiology, and urology.
THE COMMUNITY
Originally named "Alexandria", the city of Jackson, Tennessee was re-named in 1822 to commemorate General Andrew Jackson, war-hero and future U.S. President. Like other area towns, the growth and prosperity of Jackson was largely dependent upon the rail lines springing up across the land in the nineteenth century. It became known as a railroad center and a hub of culture, industry, and economy in Tennessee. By the 1830's, residents had constructed such monuments to civility and prosperity as a two-story brick courthouse, a post office, numerous lumber and gristmills, public schools, and gravel-paved roads. Approximately 60,000 residents call Jackson "home" today. While not large by metropolitan standards, the city has developed and maintains a thriving industrial base supported by area businesses with healthy and active civic participation. Approximately 110 industries contribute to the economy in Jackson. The list of local businesses runs the gamut of available goods and services, including cinema complexes, shopping centers, nightclubs, and restaurants. Civic and social organizations range from the VFW to the Boy and Girl Scouts. Sixteen denominations are represented by the community churches to support the spiritual needs of the community.
EDUCATION
The Jackson-Madison County School System operates 26 public schools: 14 elementary (K-4), three intermediate (5-6), four middle (7-8) and five high schools. Six of the public schools (three elementary, one middle, and two high schools) are specialized magnet schools. The district operates two alternative schools. Some of the elementary schools offer school age childcare. A full array of extra-curricular activities fortifies the development of children attending a Jackson Public School. Seven private schools operate in the area, offering both religion-based and non-sectarian education to the community. Jackson offers a myriad of higher education opportunities. Local institutions include Jackson State Community College, Lambuth University, Lane College, Union University, Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson, and the West Tennessee Business College.
RECREATION
The terrain in and around Jackson, and west Tennessee in general, is comprised of gently rolling land with picturesque hills and valleys. Jackson is a benefactor of the climate of the American South. Summertime is not limited by the calendar; swimming days come in early to mid-May and last into October. Gardeners appreciate the long growing season, which stretches from late March into mid-November and consists of an average of 236 frost-free days. Spring comes earlier in the South bringing glorious greening to the abundance of foliage in Tennessee. Fall stays later, extending warm days and crisp nights, all with a backdrop of the colorful changing of the leaves. Winters are mild and relatively short with little or no snow. Precipitation comes mostly as rainfall, but a surprise cold snap could allow someone to awaken to an unexpected blanket of nighttime snowfall. The city of Jackson operates several parks, some with lighted tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, nature trails, and fishing lakes. With an abundance of lakes, rivers and wildlife areas, Tennessee is the perfect home for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating, swimming, fishing and camping are just a few of the activities available. Sports and culture also figure into the community lifestyle of Jackson. For those with an interest in major league sports, nearby Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans football team and the Nashville Predators hockey team.