Protecting health, opening doors to recovery in Mobile County 2-23-26

February 23, 2026

Protecting health, opening doors to recovery in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department offers services to help people who use substances stay safer and healthier so they can seek treatment when they are ready. Narcan is now widely available — over the counter, by prescription from private providers, through mail order from the Jefferson County Health Department, at our Prevention and Wellness kiosks located throughout Mobile County, and through peer counselor programs that connect individuals to overdose response tools and recovery support.

One service we do not currently provide is a sterile syringe program. There is a common misconception that these programs encourage substance use. That is simply not true. Evidence shows that sterile syringe services reduce the spread of serious viral infections, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, while creating early, nonjudgmental points of contact with people who use drugs.

“Meeting people where they are is not about condoning substance use — it is about preventing death and disease so that individuals have a real chance to choose recovery,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “When we combine tools like Narcan, peer support, and evidence-based practices, we protect families, reduce strain on hospitals, and build a healthier, more resilient Mobile County.”

Peer counselor programs play a key role in this work by offering lived experience guidance, linking people to treatment and community resources, and helping them navigate the first steps toward recovery. By preventing illness, connecting individuals to care, and supporting recovery, these approaches help people move toward a substance free life and strengthen families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. When persons with a history of substance use disorder are healthier and supported, they are more likely to return to their families, re-enter the workforce, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Mobile County community.

CredibleMind is a free digital platform that connects users with mental health and self-care resources to help you manage the ups and downs of life. Whether you’re looking for articles to read, assessments to take, videos to watch, or podcasts to listen to, CredibleMind has the tools to assist you with understanding yourself better and learning how to navigate life’s challenges.

For more information about opioid use and behavioral health resources, you may visit https://alabama.crediblemind.com/topics/opioid-use. To request your free Narcan rescue kit, you may visit https://nextdistro.org/alnarcan.