Madison County is diversifying - March 23rd, 2009
The Madison County Health Coalition is located in Huntsville, Arkansas, a rural community with a growing influx of Hispanic commuters. The coalition was established in 2000 with a mission of addressing Madison County’s health issues through a collaboration of diverse community interests by maintaining and seeking local resources to achieve better health for county residents. Local health professionals, community leaders and members of the interested public started MCHC to address issues including drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and breast cancer awareness. MCHC has received a grant from the Arkansas Department of Health to further its goal of reducing the use of smokeless tobacco and cigarette use in Madison County. MCHC has also received funding from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office to deliver a tobacco prevention message specifically targeted to the growing surrounding Hispanic population. MCHC hosted a Car Seat Safety Day in May, which provided free car seats to its community members while educating them about Act 13. Among the coalition’s successes, Huntsville passed a resolution to make Mitchusson Park tobacco-free. For more information about MCHC programs, visit MadisonCountyHealth.com.
