MAWSS reports on discolored water

March 24, 2023

MAWSS reports on discolored water

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) officials say they will continue to flush fire hydrants throughout the Spring Hill area to rid the lines of residual discolored water. MAWSS staff have been testing water samples and have confirmed the water is safe to drink.

If residents continue to see discolored water after running cold water for a few minutes, they should call the MAWSS 24-hour hotline at 251-694-3165 to report the problem. They will monitor the lines throughout the weekend to make sure the discolored water does not come back.

The discolored water was the result of the failure of a pump which forced air into a water line in the Spring Hill/McGregor Road area. MAWSS officials say the water is completely safe to drink. This issue is not related to construction in the area.

The problem is resolved but MAWSS staff are continuing to flush the lines.

MCHD observes World TB Day

March 24, 2023

MCHD observes World TB Day

MOBILE, Ala. — Each year, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) recognizes World TB Day on March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB).

This year’s theme is “Yes! We can end TB!” This aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will also issue a call to action with partners urging member states to accelerate the rollout of the new WHO-recommended shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Each day, close to 4,400 people lose their lives to TB, and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 74 million lives since the year 2000.

MCHD has a close connection to treating TB. Its current headquarters at 251 North Bayou Street in Mobile once served as the Sixth District Tuberculosis Association’s hospital. The facility was named in 1973 after Frank S. Keeler, who served as the association’s president.

From October 2021 through September 2022, MCHD’s tuberculosis team provided care for 12 patients with active disease and five patients suspected of having active disease. In addition, MCHD staff often travel to patients’ homes five days a week for six months or more to directly observe therapy and monitor symptoms.

“As we recognize World TB Day, we take the opportunity to remind Mobilians that transmission still occurs locally,” said Yvonne Baynard, who oversees MCHD’s Tuberculosis program. “If you have spent time with someone with TB, been around people where TB is common or who live or work in healthcare or congregate setting, seek evaluation from your healthcare provider or call us at 251-690-8868.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with conflicts across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and socioeconomic inequities, has reversed years of progress made in the fight to end TB, and placed an even heavier burden on those affected, especially the most vulnerable. In its latest Global Tuberculosis Report, WHO highlighted that for the first time in over a decade, estimated TB incidence and deaths have increased.

WIC Program expands access to breastfeeding support services

March 22, 2023

WIC Program expands access to breastfeeding support services

MOBILE, Ala. — Unlimited, 24/7 access to infant feeding support is now available to participants served by the Alabama Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. This is done exclusively for WIC participants through a partnership with Pacify Health through one streamlined app at no cost to the mother.

The Alabama WIC Program will offer participants instantaneous video access to a nationwide network of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s), plus direct access to local WIC clinics across the state. Providing this type of support has been proven to help more parents start and continue breastfeeding for longer, which improves health outcomes for mothers and babies. Access to IBCLC’s may also help reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, one of the three leading causes of Alabama’s persistently high infant mortality rate.

“WIC is excited to offer another breastfeeding resource to our participants,” said Meridith Gardner, who is an IBCLC at the Mobile County Health Department. “In addition to having an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant on staff, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, and Breastfeeding Support Groups on Zoom, we now have the Pacify app available to WIC breastfeeding mothers.

“Once the app is downloaded, moms need to contact their local WIC office to get a code to create their account with Pacify and then they have unlimited access to a Lactation Consultant any time of day or night! Since breastfeeding issues do not always happen during business hours, this is a great resource for breastfeeding moms.”

Gardner has been a lactation consultant since 2009. WIC has had Peer Counselors since 2005, starting at our TEEN Center location and calling all locations since 2010. She discusses the Pacify app in the latest edition of Wellness Wednesday, found at https://youtu.be/HqNn6MtxbKk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, among infants born in 2019, slightly more than 71 percent of infants in Alabama were ever breastfed, compared with greater than 83 percent across the United States. Less than 40 percent of Alabama infants were exclusively breastfed at 3 months, and less than 38 percent were still breastfeeding at 6 months.

Many protective health benefits are conferred by breastfeeding. For infants, these include fewer middle ear infections, fewer cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (a potentially fatal gastrointestinal disorder in premature infants), and fewer infant deaths. Breastfeeding can also reduce women’s risk for breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

For more information on the local WIC program, visit https://mchd.org/wic or call 251-690-8829.

MAWSS reports Sanitary Sewer Overflow caused by grease blockage 03.20.2023

March 20, 2023

MAWSS reports Sanitary Sewer Overflow caused by grease blockage

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) on March 19 at 4820 Government Boulevard. Approximately 785 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Spring Creek because of a broken sewer main line caused by a grease blockage.

The grease blockage has been cleared. MAWSS will repair the mainline to prevent future overflows at this location.

Grease blockages occur when foods containing fats, oil or grease are put down the drain. MAWSS provides free containers for grease recycling. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.itseasytobeungreasy.com.

Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, advises area residents to take precautions when coming into contact with any standing water that may have accumulated as a result of this overflow. Those who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly.

Area residents should take precautions when using Spring Creek for recreational purposes because of this overflow. All seafood harvested in this general area should be thoroughly cooked before eating. People should wash hands after cleaning seafood and before preparing food.

MCHD observes Social Work Month

March 20, 2023

MCHD observes Social Work Month

MOBILE, Ala. — Social Work Month is observed each March by the Mobile County Health Department and Family Health, its primary care division. The theme this year is “Social Work Breaks Barriers.”

Social workers are advocates to individuals, families, and communities who are unable to advocate for themselves. Social workers empower individuals to function on their own in society by starting where the client is and developing individualized case plans to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Not only do Social Workers provide linkage to care, but they also follow up to measure the client’s success and adjust where needed. Social workers are an important part of the Patient Centered Medical Home team and often provide the most important feedback to the team about the client.

Social workers wear many hats and provide many services that often go beyond their normal job duties. Social workers are multifaceted, meaning they also provide direct care as a therapist in a clinical setting. They can be found in different settings, such as your local health department, schools, hospitals, court, and shelters just to name a few.

Social workers are the voice for those who have no voice. Their roles are essential in improving the human well-being and helping individuals meet their basic needs. Empathy and compassion are key to a Social Worker’s success and professional fulfillment.

The profession of Social Work is a vital part of helping individuals reach their full potential and goals. So, the next time you see a Social Worker, give them a high five.

At MCHD in the Social Services Department, our social workers are Shakari Beechem, Tammy Bradberry, Paquita Carter, Helen Guthrie, Linda Kacar, Lori Stevens, and Shanika Welch.

In our Ryan White Early Intervention Services Program, our social workers are Camie Barganier, Ashley Hines, and Velma Thomas.

Prichard reports on Sanitary Sewer Overflow 03.20.2023

March 20, 2023

Prichard reports on several Sanitary Sewer Overflows

MOBILE, Ala. — Prichard Water Works & Sewer Board has reported on Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) that occurred March 17. Heavy rains were the cause of the SSO’s.

The nearest manhole locations, estimated amounts, and receiving waters are listed below:

Location Estimated Gallons Receiving Water
2407 Whistler St. 19,500 Gumtree Branch
218 Patricia Ave. 103,500 Gumtree Branch
N. Bessemer Ct. @ Whistler St. 5,700 Gumtree Branch

Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, advises area residents to take precautions when coming into contact with any standing water that may have accumulated as a result of these overflows. Those who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly.

Area residents should take precautions when using Gumtree Branch for recreational purposes because of these overflows. All seafood harvested in this general area should be thoroughly cooked before eating. People should wash hands after cleaning seafood and before preparing food.

Swim advisory lifted for Fowl River 3.20.2023

March 20, 2023

Swim advisory lifted for Fowl River

MOBILE, Ala. — A swimming advisory issued by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) for Fowl River near Highway 193 has been lifted. Recent water samples at this location indicates bacteria values are back below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milliliters for marine water.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management operate the bacteriological water quality monitoring and notification program under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s BEACH (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health) Act Program. This program involves the routine collection of water samples from a total of 25 coastal recreational sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties (to see the testing locations please visit http://adem.alabama.gov/programs/coastal/BeachMonitoring.cnt).

In the summer months, samples are taken once or twice a week at the most highly used sites and biweekly at the other sites. All sites are tested once a month in the cooler months.

Samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. High counts indicate that the possibility that other disease-causing germs could be present in the water. Based on EPA’s “Criteria for Bathing (full body contact) Recreational Waters,” samples are checked for enterococcus bacteria. These indicator bacteria are inhabitants of the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Bacterial concentrations in recreational waters can increase during and immediately following rainstorms because of overflowing sewage collection and treatment facilities, storm water runoff and malfunctioning septic systems.

When monitoring results exceed the EPA standard, the affected site is immediately retested. If the results of the second test identify enterococci levels persisting above the EPA standard, the health department through the cooperative efforts of the news media will issue a public advisory.

Swim advisory issued for Fowl River

March 16, 2023

Swim advisory issued for Fowl River

MOBILE, Alabama — The Mobile County Health Department advises the public that swimming water quality on Fowl River near Highway 193 is poor. Swimming in this area might lead to an increased risk of illness. Recent tests at this sample site rose above acceptable levels.

Monitoring will continue and the advisory will be lifted once bacteria values fall below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milli-liters for marine water.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management operate the bacteriological water quality monitoring and notification program under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s BEACH (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health) Act Program. This program involves the routine collection of water samples from a total of 25 coastal recreational sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties (to see the testing locations please visit http://adem.alabama.gov/programs/coastal/BeachMonitoring.cnt).

In the summer months, samples are taken once or twice a week at the most highly used sites and biweekly at the other sites. All sites are tested once a month in the cooler months. The Fowl River location will be tested again in coming days.

Samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. High counts indicate that the possibility that other disease-causing germs could be present in the water. Based on EPA’s “Criteria for Bathing (full body contact) Recreational Waters,” samples are checked for enterococcus bacteria. These indicator bacteria are inhabitants of the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Bacterial concentrations in recreational waters can increase during and immediately following rainstorms because of overflowing sewage collection and treatment facilities, storm water runoff and malfunctioning septic systems.

When monitoring results exceed the EPA standard, the affected site is immediately retested. If the results of the second test identify enterococci levels persisting above the EPA standard, the health department through the cooperative efforts of the news media will issue a public advisory.

Dr. Hein Pham recognized during Women’s History Month

March 4, 2023

Dr. Hein Pham recognized during Women’s History Month

MOBILE, Ala. — Women’s History Month is a celebration Women’s contribution to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. The actual celebration grew out of a weeklong celebration women organized by the school district of Sonoma, Calif., in 1978.

A few years later, the idea caught on across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The next year, the Congress followed suit, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the whole month of March.

Throughout American history, the tenacity that women advocates have shown in combating systematic inequities has proved to be an invaluable source of inspiration for each successive generation. To commemorate Women’s History Month, MCHD’s Health Equity Office will spotlight local women who have worked tirelessly in the background to make a difference in their communities. While there are many women who contributed to the advancement of community activism, we chose to elevate some of the lesser-known individuals.

This week HEO is proud to spotlight Dr. Hein Pham, a local pharmacist and activist.

Hien was born in Vietnam shortly after the end of the Vietnam War. She remembers being so poor and hungry as a child that she and one of her brothers would share a potato “if we were lucky.” She and her family came to the United States in 1993 when she was 19 years old. When her family arrived in Mobile, Catholic Social Services placed her family of nine with another refugee family of six in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.
Even though she didn’t speak English, she was driven to make a better life for herself and her family. The whole family would wake up before daybreak and pick crabs in Bayou La Batre, and then she would come home, bathe, and walk to work at Mrs. Wheat’s Treats, a local candy store. She also worked at a nail salon and waited tables at a Chinese restaurant. She took English as a Second Language classes at Bishop State Community College at night.

She enrolled and graduated from the University of South Alabama with a major in clinical lab sciences. Hien applied to pharmacy schools and was accepted by three programs, eventually selecting the University of Colorado. During her fourth year of pharmacy school, Hien Pham learned she had a rare form of bile duct cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. She had no family history of cancer, had never smoked, or drank alcohol, and was active and healthy. The five-year survival rate for bile duct cancer is less than 5 percent. Hien didn’t quit school, “Even with a death sentence,” she says, “I wanted to carry on my dream of being a pharmacist.”

Hien graduated from pharmacy school in 2003. Though she battled cancer from her original diagnosis until the present, she hasn’t let the cancer setbacks define her. Hien worked as a pharmacist at Providence Hospital for 16 years, dispensing medication with an infectious smile and words of encouragement. She also worked as a translator for Vietnamese patients.

During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a shortage of masks and gloves for healthcare workers, Hein solicited gloves and masks from nail salons throughout the city (which were closed) and distributed them to hospitals (Providence, USA, Springhill) and to police precincts. She purchased fabric and recruited friends to make cloth masks which they sent to organizations across the country. Hien founded “Caring Kids,” an organization that helps to pay medical expenses for local children with cancer. She also works with “Hope for Stomach Cancer” advocacy group, where she lobbies federal and state representatives to fund cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Hien Pham is a wonderful example of a WOMAN who, when given lemons, makes the best lemonade and gladly shares it with others. She said, “Life is not just living for yourself, but it is caring, supporting, and helping other in your community. ”

The Health Equity Office salutes Dr. Pham for seeing her community needs and working to resolve them.

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