News Release

June 9, 2025

Screening tests encouraged during National Men’s Health Week

MOBILE, Ala. — National Men’s Health Week is recognized each year leading up to Father’s Day. This observance — taking place June 9 to 15 — is a reminder for men to take steps to be healthier.

“Most men need to pay more attention to their health,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. He continued that compared to women, men are more likely to:

• Smoke and drink,
• Make unhealthy or risky choices,
• Put off regular checkups and medical care.

“There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone,” Dr. Michaels said. “Many of the major health risks that men face — like colon cancer or heart disease — can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis.

“Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It’s important to get the screening tests you need.”

Dr. Michaels said a man’s mental health also needs to be addressed.

“Common symptoms include anger, irritability, or aggressiveness; noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite; difficulty concentrating, reeling restless, or on the edge; and engaging in high-risk activities,” Dr. Michaels said.

“Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be.”

Dr. Michaels said conversations about barriers to mental health treatment provide an opportunity to share free and low-cost mental health resources, such as sliding scale therapy, support groups, local mental health centers, and mental health helplines, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

“A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help,” he said. “They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out next steps.”

For assistance, the mental well-being platform called CredibleMind is now available to Alabama residents at no charge. It is available at https://alabama.crediblemind.com/lists/healthy-masculinity.

June 3, 2025

Mental health program available to assist following tragic events

MOBILE, Ala. — In May, the mental well-being platform called CredibleMind became available to Alabama residents. It is being offered thanks to a partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Jefferson County Department of Health, and Mobile County Health Department.

Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, said the recent deadly shooting at a children’s dance recital in Mobile is exactly the type of situation where the CredibleMind app can be useful.

“CredibleMind covers multiple topics that can be accessed,” he said. “Some include ‘Healing After Gun Violence.’ Resources for coping, recovery and building resilience can be found by visiting the link at https://alabama.crediblemind.com/lists/resources-for-coping-with-gun-violence.

“This link has podcasts, videos, teachings and discussions, and articles. If you need help now, you can call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with mental health professionals. You are not alone.”

Mental Health is constantly impacted by a combination of physical health, environment, lived experiences, genetic and other social drivers. There are hundreds of mental health conditions, though a condition may look different from one person to another. Age, genetics, and lifestyle are among several factors that influence how a mental health condition presents itself in an individual. Additionally, not everyone who experiences symptoms is diagnosed with a mental health condition.

“CredibleMind provides a means to empower and assist individuals to overcome mental health challenges through a confidential, personalized, accessible, immediate, and anonymous self-care and mental well-being platform,” Dr. Michaels said.

A link to CredibleMind can be found at https://mchd.org/community-tools/ and on the MCHD smartphone app under the “More” section. 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 visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603. The app can be used in both English and Spanish.

June 2, 2025

MCHD to conduct Community Health Assessment

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is inviting residents to take part in the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), now open through August 24, 2025.

This voluntary and confidential survey is designed to capture the health priorities, concerns, and strengths of our community. Topics include chronic disease risk factors, emergency preparedness, and access to care. To reach as many voices as possible, the survey is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

While the CHA supports MCHD’s progress toward national Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) certification, its purpose goes far beyond meeting any single requirement. MCHD wants to hear from the people who know Mobile County best. Input from residents helps MCHD better understand local needs and work together toward solutions that reflect our shared goals.

“We’re not just asking for input. We’re asking for partnership,” said Destiny Lankster, PHAB Coordinator and a member of MCHD’s Data Science Team. “This is a community effort in every sense. The more voices we hear, the stronger our roadmap will be moving forward.”

Insights from the CHA will directly inform the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which will guide local strategies to expand services, build partnerships, support grant planning, and ensure decisions are rooted in community experience. Results will be shared publicly in early 2026.

“This assessment is more than a survey. It’s a chance for residents to shape the future of health in Mobile County,” Dr. Tommie Walker IV, Epidemiologist and Data Science Team lead, added. “When people speak, we listen, and what we learn directly drives the programs and policies we put in place.”

To take the survey, please visit https://redcap.link/MCHDCHA2025. If you have questions about the survey, please send an email to DataScience@MCHD.org.

March 6, 2025

MCHD remains busy during Carnival season

MOBILE, Ala. —The Mobile Police Department reports than an estimated 1,367,141 people attended parades in the city, which is an increase of 260,000 from last year.

“Our staff has and continues to be very busy ensuring that visitors and residents experience a safe and exciting Mardi Gras season,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

The Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) Inspection Services issued temporary permits to 42 food vendors and four temporary bars over the course of Carnival season in Mobile and Dauphin Island. An additional two to three vendors are expected at the Trinity Gardens parade this coming weekend. Inspection Services also responded to one foodborne illness complaint supposedly linked to a Mardi Gras food vendor.

MCHD’s Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) team was present at the parades from Feb. 20 through March 2. The department had eight staff members who distributed more 25,000 condoms and 100 Pride kits. They also assisted with the distribution of hand sanitizer.

“We ensured that all the local downtown bars and any businesses that requested them were supplied with condoms,” said Cherrite Peterson, who oversees the team. “In addition, we provided condoms to local hair salons and barbershops. Our STD staff walked the parade routes, handing out individually wrapped condoms and hand sanitizer to parade-goers and vendors.”

To increase its ability to help make sure citizens and visitors had an enjoyable experience, MCHD’s Public Health Response Unit trailer and Rapid Response Vehicle were present at the corner of Dauphin Street and Saint Joseph Street near Bienville Square for the second straight year.

Public Health Response Unit 1 was used as command center for MCHD’s Inspection Services. It also served as a base for MCHD staff that conducted outreach activities during parades, such as the STD team.

MCHD’s Infectious Disease & Outbreaks team did not receive any complaints or labs dealing with illnesses pertaining to Mardi Gras vendors. However, there were 57 “vaccine preventable disease” investigations during Carnival season, including one flu death. Some of those cases involved the recent vaccine preventable Pertussis outbreak, which has now reached 30 patients – twice as many as recorded in all of 2024.