News Release

August 23, 2023

MCHD selected to join PHEARLESS initiative

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department has been selected to participate in the Public Health Regenerative Leadership Synergy (PHEARLESS) initiative. This program is an alliance with the Kresge Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation and the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health.

“I am thrilled to share that our application to the PHEARLESS Initiative was accepted,” said Vanessa Cochran, the Grants Manager for MCHD’s Bureau of Prevention and Wellness. “Danielle Simpson of our Overdose Prevention team and Cherrite Peterson of our STD Surveillance staff will work as part of a collaborative, including Laury Rowland of Lifelines Counseling and Joshua Jones of the City of Mobile.

“They will complete a series of workshops on regenerative leadership and gain tools that will help public health and community leaders build the skills they need to tackle the complex issues facing their communities today.”

The acceptance letter from the PHEARLESS development collaborative, stated that MCHD would join 14 other community collectives. “We have a great team of outreach program managers supporting the Mobile County community,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “They will share their experiences and learn from others from across the United States.”

“Our PHEARLESS development collaborative believes we are at a critical time to evolve the individual and collaborative leadership necessary to advance the public’s health,” the acceptance letter stated. “As such, we are excited to offer this opportunity to your Community Collective to transform the way we work together, especially given the current complex context in which we find ourselves.”

August 22, 2023

COVID-19 still present in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of total hospitalizations (up 14.3 percent) and total deaths (up 8.3 percent) in the United States related to COVID-19 have trended up in the recent week.

Locally, the Provisional Disease Report that was posted Monday showed 322 positive COVID-19 cases recorded last week by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD). That brings the total this year to 5,786.

While these numbers are drastically lower than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an indication that coronavirus is still present in our community. MCHD will continue COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at its Festival Centre location (3725 Airport Boulevard, Suite 101-A, in Mobile) until Friday, September 29.

“Everyone can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no-cost from their local provider or pharmacy, as has been the case for some time,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “And anyone who is high-risk and hasn’t already received the latest vaccine should do so as soon as possible to allow greater time to pass between receiving the current and new versions of the vaccine. It is the safest way to protect yourself, family, and friends from severe disease and hospitalization.”

The https://www.vaccines.gov/ website is an excellent resource for searching for available vaccines nearest your location. Those wishing to get their COVID-19 vaccine from Family Health – the primary care division of MCHD – may make an appointment by calling 251-690-8889.

August 18, 2023

Many events planned for International Overdose Awareness Day

MOBILE, Ala. — August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). Each year on this day, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) remembers those who have passed away because of an overdose, recognizes the family and friends affected by overdose deaths, and brings awareness to our community.

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, MCHD’s Overdose Prevention team will be hosting its second annual Overdose Awareness 5K on August 26 at Mardi Gras Park from 8 a.m. to noon. This 5K was organized to bring awareness to the community regarding the dangers of misuse and abuse of Opioids.

Also, the team wants to remember those who have passed away because of an overdose and support those individuals who are at high risk for overdosing. This event is free to the public, and we will have vendor tables set up for our walk participants to visit after the 5K.

On August 31 at the Saenger Theatre, the Drug Education Council will be hosting the International Overdose Awareness Day event featuring John McAndrew and his “The Power of Music in Recovery” presentation. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. MCHD’s Overdose Prevention team will have a vendor table providing resources in support of International Overdose Awareness Day.

As our community continues to see overdose deaths increase, it is imperative that we continue to engage with our community to provide prevention strategies and recovery services. An overdose can happen to anyone. Recently, Hollywood actor Robert DeNiro lost his grandson to a Fentanyl overdose.

MCHD’s team is equipped to support overdose prevention and harm reduction and navigate participants through recovery. To learn more about MCHD’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, call 251-410-OD2A (6322).

Information for OD2A can be found on the MCHD smartphone app. It is available to download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603. The app can be used in both English and Spanish.

August 15, 2023

First human case of West Nile Virus this year reported

MOBILE, Ala. — A case of human West Nile Virus (WNV), which is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, has been confirmed in Mobile County, according to Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

This is the first human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient privacy rights under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), no additional identifying information will be available.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention. In rare cases, WNV can cause coma or death. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s health and age. WNV affects the elderly most severely, health data shows.

The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall. Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.

Dr. Michaels warns that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and should always keep mosquito repellent with them when outdoors. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and again at dawn. He goes on to advise that draining standing water will stop mosquitoes from multiplying, cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house and cover skin with clothing or appropriate repellent.

WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a human or a horse.

Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the disease cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccines in horses. There are no WNV or EEE vaccines available for humans.

A new online portal is now available to help the public request assistance from Vector Services and receive feedback on their request to deal with mosquitoes or rodents. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal for ordering services.

The telephone numbers for those without internet access are 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control and 251-690-8819 for Rodent Control.

August 4, 2023

WIC program names new director for Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department has announced that Monique McMillan has been named as the new District Nutrition Director for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for Mobile County. She is a native of Mobile and a graduate of Baker High School.

“My passion for women’s health has led me to WIC,” McMillan said. “Although new to the WIC program, serving the community that I grew up in drives my ambition to maintain and improve access of the program for our community and participants. I am honored to serve as the new District Nutrition Director for MCHD’s WIC program.”

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology (PreHealth) degree from Tuskegee University in 2018. While there, she assisted in prostate and lupus research with Dr. Honghe Wang and Dr. Marcia Martinez.

McMillan received a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a concentration in Nutrition, from Alabama A&M University in 2020. She then completed her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2021, which consisted of 1,286 supervised practice hours and 26 rotations.

“I completed two concentrated rotations of entry-level practice with Vanderbilt’s weight loss clinic and VUMC’s heart transplant team,” she said. “There, I was able to learn new weight loss treatments and better understand transplant nutrition.

“I also worked as a clinical dietitian at Ascension St. Thomas in Nashville, Huntsville Hospital, and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. My areas of experience include inpatient rehab, cardiology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and High-risk Obstetrics. I have a vested interest in women’s health, maternal health, cardiology, and weight management.”

MCHD’s Bureau of Community and Nutrition Services manages the local WIC program. A monthly average of 10,546 participants received WIC food instruments during the Fiscal Year 2022.

“Ms. McMillan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to our team,” said Dr. Stephanie Woods-Crawford, Executive Director for Prevention & Wellness which includes the Bureau of Community and Nutrition Services. “We welcome her to our MCHD family.”

To qualify for WIC, a person must meet income guidelines, be a resident of Alabama, and have been seen by a health professional at the WIC clinic. For more information, visit https://mchd.org/wic or call 251-690-8829.

Additional information on WIC is available from the MCHD smartphone application. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.

August 2, 2023

Dental visits help to maintain good oral health

MOBILE, Ala. — Going to the dentist is important for good oral health. Regular visits to the dentist, as well as proper care between visits, can help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

The better you care for your teeth now, the longer they will last into the future. Dental insurance helps a person budget for regular preventive dental care and dental emergencies.

“However, many do not have that option,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Family Health provides dental services to children and adults on a sliding fee scale.”

Your mouth can serve as a window to what is happening within your body. Visits to the dentist can reveal early symptoms of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD), offers dental services in Downtown Mobile at the Keeler Memorial Building as well as the Citronelle, Eight Mile, and Semmes health centers. Its Mobile Medical Unit is outfitted with dental equipment to increase access to oral health services throughout Mobile County. To make a dental appointment, call 251-690-8889.

Need insurance? MCHD has Certified Application Counselors ready to help people find affordable health insurances through the Health Insurance Exchange. These counselors are located at all Family Health centers throughout Mobile County. To make an appointment, please call the Family Health center located closest to you. For a list of Family Health sites, you may visit https://mchd.org/family-health/#locations or call 251-690-8964.

August 1, 2023

MCHD to cease COVID-19 operations at Festival Centre

MOBILE, Ala. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the transition of COVID-19 medical countermeasures – including vaccines, treatments, and test kits previously purchased by the United States government – to the more established standard pathways of the traditional healthcare marketplace.

In response to this decision, the Mobile County Health Department will cease COVID-19 operations at the Festival Centre location (3725 Airport Boulevard, Suite 101-A, in Mobile) on Friday, September 29. This decision will also mark the end of MCHD’s in-home vaccination program.

“Everyone can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no-cost from their local provider or pharmacy, as has been the case for some time,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “And anyone who is high-risk and hasn’t already received the latest vaccine should do so as soon as possible to allow greater time to pass between receiving the current and new versions of the vaccine. It is the safest way to protect yourself, family, and friends from severe disease and hospitalization.”

The https://www.vaccines.gov/ website is an excellent resource for searching for available vaccines nearest your location. Those wishing to get their COVID-19 vaccine from Family Health – the primary care division of MCHD – may make an appointment by calling 251-690-8889.

The Festival Centre has also served as the site for individuals seeking Religious Exemptions from vaccinations required by the state for kindergarten through 12th-grade students. The new location for this service will be announced soon.