South Central Regional Medical Center presents part four of There’s No Place Like Home. There’s No Place Like Home features testimonials from local fathers on their experiences raising children and having a family in this region. This week we take a look at the Simpson family. 

When Larkin Simpson envisioned how he would raise his children, he always wanted it to be similar to his childhood. Larkin, a native of north Mississippi, believed it was important to raise well rounded children – weekends filled with sporting activities and fishing, summer days spent at the local libraries and enjoying the outdoors, while not too far away from the attributes of city life. So, when his family moved to Jones County five years ago, he knew this would be a place he calls home.

“My wife, Rebekah, my son, Ethan, and I moved to Jones County and we immediately knew this would be a special place,” recalls Larkin. “We both found great jobs, our son is a student at a wonderful school and our family has been welcomed into a fantastic community. It is a great place to raise kids and have a family.”

Larkin, who serves as the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, has visited many cities and towns for work, but always feels a special tie to his home of Jones County. He states, “Whether you prefer country living with fishing, hunting or sports, or you prefer being in the city limits to enjoy the arts, dining or shopping, there is something for everyone.”

Two years ago, the Simpsons welcomed a new addition to their family, Noah. Noah Simpson, a healthy and happy baby boy, was born at South Central Regional Medical Center. “With Noah being our first child born in Laurel at South Central, we were not sure what to expect,” says Larkin. “The nursing staff was very attentive and answered any and all questions before Rebekah’s delivery. We were able to tour The Women’s Place maternity floor and knew exactly what to expect the days following Noah’s birth.”

From the time they entered the hospital until the day they were discharged with Noah, the Simpsons felt as if they were at home. “The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The staff was able to provide any necessity we needed. The doctors and nurses exceeded our expectations,” said Larkin.

“We really enjoyed the hotel-style dining at South Central. Being able to order food when we were hungry and able to eat a fresh meal was great.” South Central is the first hospital in the state of Mississippi to offer hotel-style room service, a service where the patients have the option to call for food when desired, rather than being given a standard tray at a standard time.

There is so much more to South Central Regional Medical Center than you think at first,” states Larkin. “The hospital is like an extension of your family. The healthcare providers care for you and your children at every stage of life and they genuinely care about your family’s overall health. We are not only patients, we are friends.”

When asked about his family’s future in Jones County, Larkin stated, “When I consider all Jones County has to offer to my family, I know we are blessed,” says Simpson. “It is a family community with many offerings of a larger city. Everyone knows my family and it is a lot of fun to see them grow and interact in the community. Jones County is our hometown and we are excited to raise our boys here.”