Regional Health Council Members

Mississippians die younger and suffer chronic diseases disproportionately when compared to residents of other states.  The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, through its Get  A Life! initiative has a plan to change that!   A Regional Health Council comprised of 20 Health Champions across the state has been formed to help make Mississippi a healthier place to live.

The blue ribbon council includes Health Champions from eight counties in the north Delta who are engaged in a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies to address health issues, chronic diseases and health disparities in the region.

Adams, Lorena-Nurse, Holly Springs Primary School; Chair, Marshall CHC*
Bland, Judy-Retired Teacher; Chair, Quitman CHC*
Chambliss, Dr. Heather-Writer; Researcher; Member, Desoto CHC*
Curcio, James-North Delta Planning & Development
Gaston, Brooks Ann-Literacy Program, Delta Health Alliance
Farrell, Ed-Dir. Of Finance, Harrah’s
Flautt, Maci-Health Agent, MS State Extension Service
Hawkins, Valeria-Relationship Manager Alliance Healthier Generations;
Co-Chair, Tallahatchie CHC*
Howell, Rupert-Editor, The Panolian Newspaper; Chair, Panola CHC*
Jackson, Senator Robert- MS State Senate; CEO, Quitman County Development Corp.
Johnson, Chip-Mayor, City of Hernando
Jones, Ellen-Health Consultant
Keys, Lela-Director, Community Partners in Care for NW Regional Medical Center; Chair, Coahoma CHC*; MS Delta Project for Place Matters
Knight, Doris-Director, Merea Ministries; Member, Panola CHC*
Minor, Dr. Michael O.-Pastor Oakhill Baptist Church; Chair, Healthy Congregations Advisory Board Member, Desoto CHC*
Osborn, Dr. Gene-CEO, Tunica HealthCare Authority; Chair, Tunica CHC*
Philley, Christine-School Coordinator, MS Dept. of Education-Office of Healthy Schools
Rausa, Dr. Alfio-Medical Director, MS Dept. of Health Districts I & III;
MS Delta Place Matters Team Leader

Strickland, Dr. Norma-Director of Curriculum, ICS Head Start, Desoto CHC*
Taylor, Amanda-Program Director, Delta Doctors-Delta Regional Authority
Tindle, Rosemary-Retired Cty. Director, MS Ext. Svc.; Chair, Tate CHC*
Towner, Valmadge-Supt. of Schools, Quitman County School District
Williams, Ellen-Dir. Of Nursing Division, Northwest MS Community College


*County Health Council