How we started
The Madison County Health Coalition started in the year 2000. It was developed by local health professionals, community leaders and interested members of the public representing many different interests, who organized into an administrative coalition with common goals, such as stopping tobacco use and substance abuse.
Over the years the coalition has brought more than $3.4 million in grants home to Madison County, for tobacco and drug prevention, youth programs, car seats, breast cancer screening, life jackets, a walking trail, school programs and more. See the full grant history.
MCHC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Huntsville, Arkansas.
Our mission
MCHC’s mission is to address Madison County’s health issues through a collaboration of diverse community interests.
Our vision is to maintain and seek local resources to achieve better health for our community.
Executive board
- Dr. Travis Embry, MDPresident
- Nancy Marsh, RNVice President
- Dr. Max NorrisTreasurer
- Dr. Alvin LievsayBoard member
- Debbie HoltBoard member
- Susan GurleyBoard member
- Annette CrowBoard member
Coordinators
- Brandi Holt, Ed.DMadison County DFC Project Director
- Cassie SmithPrevention coordinator
- Brenda PattersonPrevention coordinator
How the coalition is organized
Tobacco Prevention
- Community Tobacco Prevention Grant
- UAPB/Minority Tobacco Prevention Grant
- Youth Coalition Group
- Teen Summit
- Activities Complex
- HSD Community Action Committee
Drug Prevention
- Tobacco/Drug Prevention Ad Hoc Committees
- Medicine take-back
- Naloxone (Narcan) training
Breast Health Awareness
- Breast Friends Support Group
- Komen grant (ended 2021)
Health and Wellness
- BBall Health Fair
- Car Seat Safety
- Women Run AR (program ended)
Ad Hoc Committees
- Strategic Planning
- Finance
- Fundraising: Dine n’ Shine, Sawing for the Cure
- Website
- Tobacco/Drug Prevention
Community Action Projects
- Kiwanis
- Lions Club
- Friendship Club
- Medical Group
- Camp Harvest
- Paws and Claws Shelter
- Nettie’s Dress Closet
- Huntsville Band Alumni
Madison County at a glance
Why this work matters here. Madison County is a rural county of about 17,900 people (U.S. Census estimate, 2024).
| Measure | Madison County | Arkansas | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults who smoke | 24% | 22% | 15% |
| Adults with obesity | 39% | 39% | 34% |
| Women 65–74 getting mammograms | 36% | 43% | 46% |
| People without health insurance | 12% | 11% | 9% |
| Residents per primary care doctor | 4,370 | 1,440 | 1,310 |
| Children in poverty | 21% | 20% | 16% |
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (smoking and obesity from the 2024 release, the rest from 2025).