MCHD taking part in Opportunity Days at local schools
November 7, 2022
MCHD taking part in Opportunity Days at local schools
MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department’s Health Equity Office is partnering with Opportunity 4 Entertainers & Performing Arts and the Mobile County Public Schools to host several Mental Health Awareness, Education Fair, and Talent Showcase School tours. The events will take place this week and last through December 16.
The participating high schools are Mattie T. Blount, Citronelle, Ben C. Rain, Theodore, Lille B. Williamson, and Elizabeth S. Chastang Middle School. It is estimated that 300 to 400 students will pass through the exhibit hall at each school.
The purpose of the school tours is to talk with students about mental health concerns and provide educational resources; expose them to career and post-secondary opportunities; and allow the students to showcase their talents before their classmates and families.
In 2021, MCHD established the Health Equity Office to address health disparities in Mobile County. Funding came from the National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities.
In addition to the Health Equity Office, MCHD’s Community Prevention Programs; Women, Infants & Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition services; Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, and The Fatherhood Initiative have agreed to support the school tours.
Opportunity 4 Entertainers & Performing Arts was founded in July 2010 by a group of volunteers eager to assist the youth with the community as well as individuals looking to pursue a career in the performing arts industry. The group focuses on public speaking, communication streaming, ACT training, community outreaches, financial literacy, mentoring, and the fundamentals of music.
These tours are the first phase of Opportunity Days outreach events. Opportunity 4 Entertainment is planning another school tour in the spring.