MCHD promotes sexual health, overdose prevention, and firearm safety through kiosks 3-30-26

March 30, 2026

MCHD promotes sexual health, overdose prevention, and firearm safety through kiosks

MOBILE, Ala. — Provisional disease surveillance for Mobile County through the week ending March 21 shows continued reports of chlamydia, gonorrhea, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and syphilis since the start of the year. In the most recent week reflected in the report, Mobile County recorded 23 chlamydia cases, 60 gonorrhea cases, 8 HIV cases, and 1 syphilis case.

“The numbers in the weekly report tell only part of the story,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Mobile County Health Officer. “Our Disease Intervention Specialists are also actively investigating 86 syphilis contacts and 16 HIV contacts across the county.”

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is encouraging residents to take sexual health seriously by getting tested, knowing their status, and using prevention tools that are easy to access in the community.

To help reduce harm and expand access to prevention resources, MCHD’s Prevention and Wellness kiosks provide free condoms and naloxone kits throughout the community. The program has now expanded to include gun locks, which prevent unauthorized access, accidental shootings, and suicide, while also securing firearms from theft. Kiosk locations include B-Bob’s Bar, Vista Medical, Shell Health, Semmes Pharmacy, and the WIC clinic in Citronelle.

“Too often, stigma and lack of access keep people from getting the tools they need to protect themselves and others,” said Dr. Michaels. “Our goal is to meet people where they are with practical resources that support health, safety, and prevention.”

Dr. Michaels is also advising healthcare providers to remain alert to the current shortage of Bicillin, the preferred treatment for syphilis in certain high-risk patients. Physicians and clinics should prioritize available Bicillin for pregnant patients with syphilis, or use the approved alternatives — Extencilline and Lentocilin — when appropriate. For nonpregnant patients, providers should consider non-penicillin treatment options when clinically appropriate.

Providers are encouraged to use sound clinical judgment, follow current treatment guidance, and ensure timely follow-up to help reduce the risk of complications and ongoing transmission.

“Sexually transmitted infections remain a serious public health concern, and timely diagnosis and treatment matter,” said Dr. Michaels. “During the current Bicillin shortage, it is especially important that physicians reserve Bicillin for patients at highest risk and use alternative treatments when clinically appropriate, while continuing to ensure patients receive prompt care and follow-up.”

For more information about MCHD’s Sexually Transmitted Infection Program, call 251-410-4393.