REGIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL
Our blue ribbon Regional Health Council includes Health
Champions within the region representing a broad range of stakeholders whose
mission is to address leading health issues and health disparities in
Mississippi. Along with representatives
from each of our Community Health Councils, health professionals and other
partners make up the Regional Health Council which meets quarterly. The Regional Council oversees the work of the
County Health Councils and promotes regional collaboration and projects.
Regional areas of focus include improving access to fresh
local produce by promoting community and congregational gardens, our faith
community initiative - Healthy Congregations, sponsoring the first elected
officials health summit in northwest Mississippi and support for healthy
schools.
The Council has selected Regional Health Champions to
highlight outstanding work in the region to promote health and reduce obesity
and chronic disease.
Regional Health Champions for 2009 -2010 include:
Mayor Chip Johnson and the City of Hernando for creating a
Healthier Community through sidewalks and bike lanes, a farmers market,
community garden and Playful City designation.
Dr. Gene Osborn and Tunica County Government for their award
winning Worksite Wellness Program
Dr. Norma Strickland and ICS Head Start for system wide
implementation of I am Moving, I am Learning
Valeria Hawkins and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
for outstanding work assisting Mississippi schools to meet and exceed state
mandates for nutrition and physical activity.
Council Members are:
Lorena Adams, RN
Nurse, Holly Springs Primary School and chair of the Marshall County Council
Shelli Benton
Director, MS State Extension Service Tate County and chair of Tate Council
Judy Bland,
retired school teacher and chair of the Quitman County Council
Dr. Heather Chambliss
writer, researcher and member of the Desoto Council
Thomas Edwards
Delta Health Alliance
Maci Flautt
Health Agent for MS State Extension Service and member of the Coahoma Council
Valeria Hawkins
Relationship Manager for Alliance for A Healthier Generation and co-chair of
the Tallahatchie Council
Rupert Howell
Editor of The Panolian Newspaper and chair of the Panola Council
Jessica Hunt
Director No. Central MS AHEC
Senator Robert
Jackson MS State Senate; CEO of Quitman County Development Office
Chip Johnson
Mayor of Hernando
Ellen Jones
Health Consultant
Lela Keys Chair
of the Coahoma Council and former director of Community Partners in Care for
NWRMC
Doris Knight
Director, Merea Ministries and member of Panola Council
Dr. Michael O. Minor
Chair of Healthy Congregations Board and Pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church
Dr. Gene Osborn
CEO, Tunica HealthCare Authority and chair of Tunica Council
Christine Philley
School Coordinator, MDE Office of Healthy Schools
Dr. Alfio Rausa
Medical Director, MDH Districts I & III and MS Delta Place Matters Team
Leader
Dr. Norma Strickland
Director of Curriculum, ICS Head Start and member of Desoto Council
Amanda Taylor
Program Director, Delta Doctors, Delta Regional Authority
Valmadge Towner
Supt. Quitman County School District
Ellen P. Williams
Director of Nursing, Northwest Community College and member of Tate Council
