An artist's rendering of the Clarke Center.

Clarke Center

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Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children

Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility for Children with Complex Medical Needs

The Children's of Mississippi Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children is a 20-bed pediatric skilled nursing facility dedicated to providing compassionate, long-term care for children with complex medical needs. Serving children from 1 month to 18 years and 364 days, our mission is to help every child reach their fullest potential while ensuring the highest quality of life possible.

We provide a safe, nurturing, home-like environment where clinical excellence meets child-focused support, offering families the comfort of knowing their child is cared for by a highly educated, pediatric-focused team.

The Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children is named in honor of former Mississippi Representative Alyce Griffin Clarke. A pioneering legislator and lifelong child advocate, she was the first African American female elected to the Mississippi Legislature, and was the longest serving woman in the legislature.

Who We Serve

We specialize in caring for children who require long-term skilled nursing and medical support. We provide care for:

  • Ventilator and tracheostomy support
  • Feeding tubes and complex nutritional needs
  • Neurological disorders
  • Congenital anomalies or genetic conditions
  • Severe physical disabilities
  • Ongoing medical needs

Our facility includes state-of-the-art equipment and safety systems. It is designed for children who require extended stays and continuous medical oversight beyond what can be provided at home. 

Our Services

In addition to 24/7 pediatric skilled nursing care, our specialized teams provide respiratory therapy for ventilator and tracheostomy management and physical, occupational and speech therapy to support development and independence. We also offer:

  • Medication management and complex treatment coordination
  • Social services and care coordination for families
  • Developmental activities and adaptive play tailored to each child’s abilities
  • Child Life services
  • Mississippi Department of Education school teacher
  • Full kitchen with meals prepared on site

Our Care Philosophy

We believe that children thrive when medical care and emotional support go hand in hand. Our approach combines advanced pediatric medical care with a homelike environment that helps children feel safe, loved and engaged.

We prioritize family involvement in daily care and decisions and develop individualized care plans with input from families, clinical and medical providers.

Our facility offers child-friendly spaces that promote comfort, play and interaction. We have regularly scheduled outings to give children enriching experiences.

Tying everything together is our commitment to consistent communication between care teams and families.

Family and Visitor Support

We welcome and encourage family participation. Our center offers a comfortable family lounge and private meeting spaces for care conferences. Additionally, our social work team helps families navigate insurance, community resources and long-term planning.

Admissions Eligibility

Children who are admitted to the Clarke Center must be:

  • Aged 1 month to 18 years and 364 days
  • Medically fragile with complex, ongoing medical needs
  • In need of long-term skilled nursing care (typically 30 days or longer)

We accept referrals from hospitals, physicians and families. Our admissions team will work closely with you to review medical needs, verify insurance or Medicaid coverage and work with you to determine if our facility can meet those needs.

Contact Us

Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children
3853 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6473
Phone: (601) 496-4500
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