MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Overdose Awareness 5K

September 24, 2022

MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Overdose Awareness 5K

MOBILE, Alabama — The Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) Cannon Team served as the official starters today for the Overdose Awareness 5K Walk at Cooper Riverside Park. The event was sponsored by MCHD’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) team.

The event was free to the public and approximately 20 vendors were present to provide resources to the community. Along with the Cannon Team and OD2A, also representing MCHD and Family Health – its primary care division – were the surveillance and control teams dealing with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program; and the Community Health Workers department.

Family Health’s new Mobile Medical Unit was present for tours. Music was also provided by DJ Rodski.

Having the honor to fire the cannon was Danielle Simpson, who supervises the OD2A team. She was very busy prior to the race, as she conducted interviews with WKRG, WALA and WPMI. For more information about the OD2A program or to send a referral, call 251-410-OD2A (6322).

In 2016, an initiative called “MCHD Declares War on Physical Inactivity” began. This was in response to Alabama having one of the highest percentages of obesity in America. By taking part in activities such as the Overdose Awareness 5k, it encourages local residents to go outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings while exercising.

The Lyle Line-Throwing Cannon, which has a 2.5-inch-diameter barrel, was manufactured in the early 1900s by Coston. It is not a replica, reproduction, or toy. The cannon was designed to fire a projectile attached to a rope to a boat or a victim in distress. Now it used to inspire those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Derrick Scott supervises a team of MCHD employees that has been trained to safely use the device. Joining him on Saturday were Tommy Busby, James Currie, Edward Franklin, Roxanne Lee, Veronica Mercadel, Adrian Perdue, Patricia Poellnitz, John Richardson, William Taylor, and Henry Wright.

Any other groups interested in having the MCHD Cannon Team attend their event should contact the Communications Office by calling 251-690-8823 or via email at mbryant@mchd.org.