MCHD hosts Fatherhood Focus Group 06-18-26

June 18, 2026

MCHD hosts Fatherhood Focus Group

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department’s Healthy Start Enhanced Fatherhood Program recently hosted a Fatherhood Focus Group designed to create meaningful dialogue around the experiences, challenges, and rewards of fatherhood.

The event brought together fathers from across Mobile County to share their personal journeys, discuss the importance of paternal involvement, and provide valuable insight into strengthening support systems for fathers and families within our community.

The focus group was organized by Nikeland Nichols, MCHD’s Healthy Start Enhanced Fatherhood Coordinator, and facilitated by Dr. Larrell Wilkinson, an Assistant Professor of Community Health & Human Services at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Dr. Wilkinson is the creator of a collaborative initiative comprised of social and behavioral scientists along with Community Health & Human Services students dedicated to helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities adopt healthier lifestyles for optimal living. Through innovative health communication, marketing, and entertainment-education strategies, “The Lab” serves as a platform for advancing health education and promotion while addressing important community health concerns.

During the discussion, participating fathers engaged in candid conversations surrounding the role of fatherhood, their experiences as parents, and the impact they have on their children’s lives. Participants reflected on what it means to be a father; shared lessons learned throughout their parenting journey and discussed their involvement during their partners’ pregnancies. Fathers also offered practical advice and words of encouragement for future fathers and their partners, emphasizing the importance of support, communication, patience, and active engagement throughout pregnancy and parenting.

The focus group provided a safe and supportive environment for fathers to voice their perspectives, connect with one another, and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at improving family health outcomes and strengthening father involvement throughout Mobile County.

MCHD’s Healthy Start Enhanced Fatherhood Program extends its sincere appreciation to its community partners, Destiny Vision Christian Center and PUSH Inc., for graciously hosting and supporting this important event. Their commitment to empowering fathers and strengthening families continues to make a lasting impact throughout the community.

Together, through collaboration, education, and engagement, we can continue building healthier families and stronger communities by ensuring fathers are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to thrive in their vital role. 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.

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