Dr. Eichold receives honors following his retirement

March 14, 2022

Dr. Eichold receives honors following his retirement

MOBILE, Ala. — Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II wrapped up his 31-year tenure as Health Office of Mobile County in February. However, the honors continue to flow in.

This morning at the Mobile County Commission’s meeting, Dr. Eichold and his wife, Carolyn, were recognized for his decades of dedication to the welfare of Mobile County. Commission President Connie Hudson, standing with District 1 Commissioner Merceria Ludgood and District 3 Commissioner Randall Dueitt, read the following resolution to those in attendance:

“Whereas: The Mobile County Commission hereby recognizes Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II for his outstanding contributions as a researcher, professor, and an authority on public health; his 31-plus years as Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is commendable and noteworthy; and

“Whereas: His steadfast devotion to the betterment of MCHD has garnered him the distinction of being the longest serving health officer in the state of Alabama; his guidance at MCHD has led to extensive growth in public health services in Mobile County; we especially applaud his leadership during the pandemic; and

“Whereas: A native of Mobile County, Alabama, he served his country in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain; and he has earned multiple academic degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans; and

“Whereas: Dr. Eichold has served as a Science Advisor and mentor to young scientists in NASA’s program based at the MCHD; he also served as the Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration; and has received medals from NASA and the U.S. Navy; as well as numerous civic and community awards, including a Fellow in the American College of Physicians; and

“Whereas: He is actively involved in several organizations, including Mobile United, BIG, Mobile ARC, Community Foundation, Christ Church Cathedral; and

“Whereas: His standard of excellence has earned him the respect and gratitude of his colleagues, as well as national, regional, state, and local leaders; We applaud his wealth of knowledge and his commitment to conscientious service; may his work live on at Mobile County Health Department; Now, therefore let it be

“Resolved: The Mobile County Commission wishes to congratulate Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II on the occasion of his retirement as Mobile County Health Officer; furthermore, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to Dr. Eichold and his wife Carolyn. Godspeed!”

This was the second straight recognition for Dr. Eichold. On Sunday, the Mobile Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted its Founders’ Day Celebration. This marked 113 years of existence.

“With each Founders’ Day event, we identify two to a maximum of four people to recognize each year for outstanding contributions to their communities, city, county, et cetera,” said Robert Clopton, President of the Mobile Branch. “Dr. Eichold was selected this year as Citizen of the Year.

“His selection was based on his devotion to the City of Mobile, its citizens and all that he did with the battle to mitigate COVID-19.  He, his staff, and all of the Mobile County Health Department under his leadership were recognized for saving many lives in the Mobile area with communication, vaccination clinics and all weapons at their disposal to help the citizens of Mobile. Thus, he was recognized, and appreciation given for his efforts.”