MCHD smartphone app making ADA updates 1-29-26

29 Jan 2026 News Release

January 29, 2026

MCHD smartphone app making ADA updates

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) and Family Health — its primary care division — announced in 2022 the release of a smartphone app called “My MCHD Health Check.” This app has served as a new way for the health department to connect with Mobile County residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone.

As of this month, the app had been downloaded 5,976 times (3,897 for iPhones and 2,079 for Android phones). This is just short of MCHD’s goal of 6,300 downloads.

“I encourage our residents to download the app in order to stay informed on the health of our community,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer of Mobile County.

The MCHD app was developed by ThePublicHealthApp.com, a division of OCV. The app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use, including weather alerts.

The OCV team recently made important updates to the smartphone app to keep it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new features include the following:

  • Screen reader compatibility – The ability for screen readers.
  • Color contrast adjustments – They are only building apps in colors that do not contrast with each other, making it easier to see.
  • Touch target sizing.
  • System font scaling – Ability to change the font specifically for the app or for your whole phone.
  • Motion sensitivity settings – The pause/play on the notification history bar as well as the toggle to turn off the auto play.
  • Logical heading structure – A cleaner header on the phone.
  • Consistent layout – The ability to continuously scroll.
  • Simplified navigation – The search bar.

“A mobile app is no longer a want; it is a need,” the OCV representative stated. “Mobile apps were once a luxury, but now both citizens and officials agree they’re a necessity. Just eight years ago, apps were a luxury that very few [public service] agencies had. Having an app was just something that was fun and innovative to try out.”

The Mobile County Health Department app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or click the following link to download the app —https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603. The app can be used in both English and Spanish.

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