MCHD reports April increase in overdose emergency visits, 911 runs, and naloxone use in Mobile County 05.12.26

May 12, 2026

MCHD reports April increase in overdose emergency visits, 911 runs, and naloxone use in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is urging residents to stay alert and take action to prevent overdose deaths after the latest monthly surveillance report showed increases in several key overdose indicators across Mobile County in April 2026.

Through various programs and organizations, both affiliated and unaffiliated with the Health Department, overdose trends have either declined or remained consistent with the previous year, reaching their lowest point in March 2026. Between March and April, overdose-related emergency department visits increased by 19 percent, while overdose-related 911 runs increased by 9 percent and naloxone administrations increased by 36 percent during the same period. This increase brought the numbers back to earlier levels. However, March 2026 showed that these numbers can still go down with community participation and action.

“While the rise in overdose indicators is concerning, the increase in naloxone administrations is also an important reminder that lives are being saved,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Naloxone is a reprieve. It is a second chance. And in the opioid crisis, second chances are precious. Every life saved is another opportunity for treatment, recovery, and renewed hope.”

The report monitors the ZIP code location, age group, and racial demographic of overdose-emergency department visits and 911 calls to help improve the community response.

“Every overdose signal we track represents a person, a family, and a community at risk,” said Dr. Michaels. “These data reports remind us that overdose prevention remains an urgent public health priority. We encourage residents to learn the signs of overdose, carry naloxone when appropriate, and connect loved ones to treatment and recovery support as early as possible.”

To sustain progress and maintain consistent downward trends in overdose-related emergencies, MCHD encourages the public to talk openly about substance use, reduce stigma, and seek help early. Timely access to prevention, treatment, recovery services, and life-saving tools such as naloxone can help reduce harm and save lives.

A few resources that you can immediately take advantage of are:

• CredibleMind is a free digital platform that connects users with mental health and self-care resources to help you manage the ups and downs of life. Whether you’re looking for articles to read, assessments to take, videos to watch, or podcasts to listen to, it has the tools to assist you with understanding yourself better and learning how to navigate life’s challenges.

• Prevention and Wellness Kiosks. The kiosks are located at B-Bob’s Bar (213 Conti Street in Mobile), Vista Medical (1359 Spring Hill Avenue in Mobile), Shell Health (4321 Downtowner Loop North in Mobile), Semmes Pharmacy (8985 Moffett Road in Semmes) and at MCHD’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) office at 19255 North Main Street in Citronelle.

• To learn more about opioid use, recovery supports, and local behavioral health resources, visit https://alabama.crediblemind.com/topics/opioid-use. To request your free Narcan rescue kit visit https://nextdistro.org/alnarcan. To find information about Prevention and Wellness Kiosks in Mobile County, visit https://mchd.org/community-tools/ (Overdose Surveillance and Prevention).