Retired Dr. Alvin Jones Emphasizes Holistic Health in Huntsville

Veteran Doctor Discusses Mental Health, Community Service, and Personal Battle with Cancer

HUNTSVILLE, TX – Retired Dr. Alvin Jones recently shed light on the importance of a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. With a medical career spanning over five decades, Dr. Jones has been a prominent figure in the Huntsville community, known for his compassionate care and dedication to serving the underprivileged.

Starting his practice in 1968, Dr. Jones has delivered over 2,000 babies and made significant advancements in community health. “My goal was to provide health in my practice,” Dr. Jones stated. “I never refused anybody for their inability to pay.”

Dr. Jones discussed the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly depression, and the reluctance some patients feel towards seeking treatment. “Depression depletes your system of protection against disease because it knocks down your immune system,” he explained, highlighting the critical need for addressing mental health alongside physical health.

A proponent of holistic health, Dr. Jones believes in treating the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected entities. “Good health is related to the mind, body, and spirit,” he said. “A lot of illnesses are what I categorize as behavioral pathogens, things we do or don’t do for our bodies that lead to illness.”

Dr. Jones’ contributions extend beyond Huntsville. At Texas Tech’s Family Medicine Department, he helped create community health centers that provide care regardless of patients’ financial situations. In Conroe, he established the Lone Star Community Health Center, furthering his mission to make healthcare accessible to all.

His dedication earned him the prestigious Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas Medical Branch, an honor given to only a select few graduates. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Jones credited his faith. “Those were all things God provided for me,” he said.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Jones volunteered for a decade in a faith-based dorm at the Goree Unit, helping inmates recognize their potential for change through faith. “God could forgive their sins and they could be pure in God’s sight if they accepted Christ and followed him,” he said.

Dr. Jones’ holistic health approach underscores the importance of addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being. “If you’re just dealing with the mental issue without dealing with the spiritual issue… you fall short,” he noted.

Adding to his life’s journey, Dr. Jones recently overcame a battle with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed two years ago, he faced the disease with the same resilience he applied to his medical career. “Because I took care of my body, I was a candidate for surgery, which has allowed me to be cancer-free today,” he shared. Dr. Jones credits God for his ultimate healing, acknowledging the divine intervention that played a crucial role in his recovery.

For those facing health challenges, Dr. Jones offered a call to action. “Don’t have too much pride to ask for help,” he advised. “God places people in your life to help you.”