MCHD reminds residents: Prevention resources save lives 09.04.26

September 4, 2026

MCHD reminds residents: Prevention resources save lives

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reminding residents that life-saving prevention supplies are available throughout the community through Alabama’s first Prevention & Wellness Kiosk Initiative.

Launched by MCHD in November 2024, the initiative provides convenient, low-barrier access to naloxone, gun locks, condoms, fentanyl test strips, and drink-spike test kits. These resources are available at no cost and are intended to help residents take practical steps to prevent overdose, injury, and other health risks before a crisis occurs.

“Prevention works best when people can access the tools they need before an emergency happens,” said Dr. Kevin P. Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Whether someone is preparing to respond to a possible overdose, securing a firearm in the home, or seeking resources to protect their health, these kiosks make prevention more accessible, private, and convenient.”

The kiosk initiative is supported through funding awarded to MCHD by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant. During the program’s first year, MCHD established five kiosks at locations selected through community asset mapping and partner input, expanding access beyond traditional public health settings.

As of August 2026, the kiosks had dispensed 692 products, including 377 two-dose packages of naloxone and 195 gun locks. First-year data also found that bystander response was the most commonly reported reason for obtaining naloxone, indicating that community members are accessing it to be prepared to respond to potential overdoses.

The need for accessible overdose-prevention resources remains clear. In July 2026, Mobile County recorded 146 suspected drug overdose-related 911 runs, while 19 naloxone administrations were reported. Although overdose-related 911 runs declined 18 percent from June and overdose-related emergency department visits were 16 percent lower than in July 2025, overdoses continue to affect residents and neighborhoods throughout the county. The ZIP code with the highest number of overdose-related 911 incidents in July was 36608, while 36695 had the highest frequency of overdose-related emergency department visits.

“Every naloxone kit, gun lock, fentanyl test strip, and other prevention item represents an opportunity to reduce harm and potentially save a life,” Dr. Michaels said. “We are grateful to the partners who have made it possible to bring these critical resources closer to the people and communities we serve.”

MCHD’s Prevention & Wellness Kiosk Initiative is strengthened by community partners that provide kiosk locations, local connections, and greater access to prevention resources. Partners include Vista Medical, Semmes Pharmacy, Shell Health, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Veterans Affairs, and the University of South Alabama.

Narcan is now widely available — over the counter, by prescription from private providers, through mail order from the Jefferson County Health Department, at our Prevention and Wellness kiosks located throughout Mobile County, and through peer counselor programs that connect individuals to overdose response tools and recovery support. To request your free Narcan rescue kit, you may visit https://nextdistro.org/alnarcan.