MCHD marks World TB Day with awareness activities, education, community outreach 3-27-26

March 27, 2026

MCHD marks World TB Day with awareness activities, education, community outreach

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department joined partners across Alabama in recognizing World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 by promoting awareness, education, and prevention surrounding tuberculosis, or TB.

As part of the observance, the RSA Towers in Mobile and Montgomery were illuminated in red, and staff with the Mobile County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health were encouraged to wear red to highlight the ongoing threat of TB and the importance of early detection and treatment.

MCHD also hosted “Teatime with TB” this week at the Newburn Public Health Clinic, creating a welcoming setting for education, conversation, and support related to TB prevention, testing, and treatment.

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that most often affects the lungs and can spread when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others. Although TB remains a serious public health concern, it is preventable and curable when patients receive proper treatment and support.

“Events like ‘Teatime with TB’ allow us to connect with our staff and community in a more personal way while reinforcing the importance of early detection and treatment,” said Cherrite Peterson, Public Health Administrator for Disease Surveillance & Control. “Together, we can break the stigma and work toward a TB-free future.”

Also attending the event was Dr. Eduardo Calderon, an infectious disease specialist and TB Control Consultant with the Alabama Department of Public Health based in Mobile.

MCHD is currently managing seven active TB cases and encourages residents to learn more about prevention, testing, and treatment options. For more information about TB services, call the Mobile County Health Department at 251-690-8914 or visit MCHD.org.