MCHD highlights urgent need to support new fathers 5-29-26
May 29, 2026
MCHD highlights urgent need to support new fathers; Healthy Start Enhanced program targets preventable deaths and stress after a baby is born
MOBILE, Ala. — A new study linked to Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics and Northwestern University finds that 60 percent of fathers who die within five years of their child’s birth lose their lives to preventable causes such as homicide, accidental injury, suicide, and drug overdose. Many of these deaths strike young men in their 20s and 30s, at the very moment their children most need them.
“These findings are a wakeup call,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Becoming a dad should be a protective moment, not a dangerous one. We cannot talk about healthy babies and healthy moms without talking about healthy dads, too.”
Research shows that fatherhood can actually lower death rates overall compared to men who are not fathers, but too many new fathers still die from preventable causes tied to stress, violence, substance use, and untreated mental health conditions. Other recent studies have documented rising risks of depression and stress-related disorders in fathers during the baby’s first year of life, underscoring the need for long term support and screening, not just one check in around the time of delivery.
In response, the Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) Healthy Start Enhanced program is working to protect whole families in Mobile County by reaching both parents early and often. Healthy Start Enhanced is a free, home- and community-based program that serves pregnant and parenting families who may be facing barriers such as limited income, unstable housing, or limited access to care. Services can include:
- Home visiting and parenting support for mothers and fathers
- Links to prenatal and pediatric care
- Referrals for mental health, substance use, fatherhood initiatives, and other community services
- Group activities that build peer support and connect parents to resources
“Healthy Start Enhanced is about helping babies and families thrive,” said Danielle Simpson, Administrator of Community Outreach Programs. “That means standing with fathers as they navigate the stress, pressure, and responsibility that come with a new baby. When we help dads stay healthy and present, we give children a stronger start in life.”
Contact MCHD’s Healthy Start Enhanced program to ask questions, enroll, or refer a family by email at healthystart@mchd.org or by phone at 251-433-8715.
The Mobile County Health Department encourages women, families, and caregivers to learn more about maternal mental health and explore trusted support tools and educational materials through CredibleMind. Access to credible, easy-to-understand resources can help families better recognize warning signs, start conversations, and find support when it is needed most.
Residents are encouraged to explore maternal mental health resources through CredibleMind, https://alabama.crediblemind.com/topics/parenting and to seek professional help if they or a loved one are struggling.