MCHD smartphone app making impact 06.20.25
June 20, 2025
MCHD smartphone app making impact
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 June 2, the app had been downloaded 5,420 times (3,572 for iPhones and 1,848 for Android phones). This is just short of MCHD’s goal of 5,500 downloads. Thanks to the many positive responses, the next goal is to reach 6,300 downloads by the end of 2025.
“It is great that we are surpassing our goals,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer of Mobile County. “I encourage our residents to download the app in order to stay informed on the health of our community.”
The app is constantly evolving as new programs and needs from the community arise. Most recently, the app has added the following new features:
• CredibleMind mental health program.
• Community Needs Assessment survey.
• Naloxone kiosk locator.
• CDC heat risk dashboard.
• MCHD Community Tools (including Food Inspection Scores, Health Equity Office, Mosquito & Rodent Control, Overdose Surveillance & Prevention, Project Barrier, and the Outreach Request Form).
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.
“A mobile app is no longer a want; it is a need,” the OCV staff 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.
“Technology is always evolving. First, everyone got updates and information through newspapers. Then, there were TV’s. Next, we saw websites emerge. Now, apps are the way. All of the information citizens need is available in the palm of their hands. Their smartphone is on them all the time, which means you can convey your information to your citizens directly and communicate your message. That makes an app one of the most powerful tools in technology.”
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.