Ready, Set, Action: It’s National Public Health Week 4-6-26

April 6, 2026

Ready, Set, Action: It’s National Public Health Week

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is celebrating National Public Health Week today through April 12 with this year’s theme being “Ready. Set. Action!” During this week of recognition, we honor how public health touches our lives every day — keeping families safe, helping us live longer, and strengthening the communities we share.

“Because of public health, most parents today have never had to fear polio the way previous generations did,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “That’s the power of vaccination and sustained community action.”

Here at home, years of focused work on mosquito control, disease surveillance, and food safety inspections have helped reduce the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses and foodborne disease in Mobile County.

“From polio to West Nile virus to preventing foodborne outbreaks, our goal is the same: stop disease before it starts,” Michaels said. “When we invest in prevention, we protect children, keep businesses open, and support a stronger, healthier Mobile.”

National Public Health Week is also a time to honor the people behind the scenes. Epidemiologists, nurses, environmental health specialists, community health workers, and many others are on the front lines — often behind the scenes — keeping Mobile County prepared and protected. Their work ranges from outbreak investigations to community education, emergency preparedness, and support for vulnerable residents.

“Our public health team shows up every day — often quietly,” Michaels added. “I’m proud of their commitment and proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

For more information about local public health services, infectious disease prevention, and ways to get involved during National Public Health Week, visit the Mobile County Health Department website or follow us on social media.