news release

November 27, 2023

Rabies clinics planned in December for dogs, cats, ferrets

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are good for one year during weekend clinics. Here is a list of the rabies clinics planned during Saturdays in December across Mobile County:

• December 2, 10 a.m. to noon, Little Flower Catholic School, 2103 Government Street in Mobile
• December 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road in Mobile
• December 9, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howells Ferry Road in Mobile
• December 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Glamour Paws Grooming, 10005 Dauphin Island Parkway in Theodore

These events will be drive-through clinics. The cost of the rabies vaccine per pet is $12. All rabies shots are payable in cash.

Each month, MCHD’s Rabies Officer provides residents with low-cost vaccines for their pet dogs, cats, and ferrets at a variety of locations. The state of Alabama tasks local health departments with providing affordable rabies vaccinations to pet owners. MCHD’s Rabies Officer provided 239 vaccinations (169 dogs and 70 cats) during November.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected mammals to humans and is fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms of rabies include unusual behavior, irritability, headache, fever, inability to eat or drink, balance problems, circling, seizures, coma, and, finally, death. All warm-blooded mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.

MCHD’s Rabies Officer vaccinated 1,537 household pets (1,247 dogs and 290 cats) in 2022. To learn more about our program, visit https://mchd.org/disease-control/#rabies.

A Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/assets/rabiesquarantinefactsheet.pdf.

November 22, 2023

Open Enrollment for health insurance continues through December 15

MOBILE, Ala. — Approximately 4.6 million people have selected an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plan since the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) opened on November 1.

“This year’s Marketplace enrollment season is off to a strong start,” said Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “At HHS, we are working nonstop to connect everyone who needs health care with coverage they can afford.

“Americans deserve the peace of mind that comes with being insured. This year, four out of five people can find a plan for $10 or less a month after subsidies on HealthCare.gov.”

The Mobile County Health Department and Family Health, its primary care division, have Certified Application Counselors ready to assist consumers in enrolling. The counselors have been trained and are able to help consumers as they look for health coverage options through the Health Insurance Exchange. They can assist consumers in completing eligibility and enrollment forms. Assistance by the Certified Application Counselors is free to consumers.

Certified Application Counselors can be found at all Family Health centers conveniently located throughout Mobile County. You may visit https://mchd.org/family-health/#locations for a list of sites or call directly at 251-445-8632 for the Patient Assistance Department.

Family Health is one of several Federally Qualified Health Centers located in Mobile County. The others include Franklin Primary Health Center, Mostellar Medical Center, and Accordia Health.

The 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2023, to December 15, 2023, for Marketplaces using the HealthCare.gov platform.

“Nearly 96 percent of HealthCare.gov consumers will be able to choose plans from at least three health insurers. And thanks to the historic Inflation Reduction Act, these lower costs and better benefits are available to more Americans,” Becerra said. “Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for quality, affordable health care.”

Consumers who enroll by midnight on December 15 can get full-year coverage that starts January 1, 2024.

November 13, 2023

Cases of Influenza-Like Illnesses on the rise

MOBILE, Ala. — Data collected by the Mobile County Health Department’s Data Science Team has shown that 14 percent of emergency room visits last week in Mobile County were related to acute respiratory disease, particularly Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI). It is common to get sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter.

For the first time in U.S. history, vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses — COVID-19, flu, and RSV — will be available this fall. Make sure you communicate with your healthcare provider to determine your vaccine eligibility and recommendations. This will be an important strategy to prevent severe disease and protect yourself and others around you.

For many, gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holidays during this season is an important tradition. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season.

“The treatment of many of the viral respiratory illnesses are supportive in nature, cough, decongestants, and anti-fever medications or simply rest and hydration,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer of Mobile County. “Also, minimize other causes through annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and for those at risk getting the new RSV vaccination.”

Dr. Michaels goes on to encourage social distancing, hand washing, cough etiquette, and the use of facial coverings in congested indoor spaces. To find a location to get your shots, visit https://www.vaccines.gov.

November 13, 2023

MCHD and Family Health recognize their Nurse Practitioners

MOBILE, Ala. — In 1965, Drs. Loretta Ford and Henry Silver developed the first nurse practitioner (NP) program. Almost 60 years later, the nation’s more than 355,000 NPs are improving the health and lives of millions of patients and their communities every day.

To honor the health care heroes working in communities throughout the U.S., Family Health – the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department — recognizes the critical role of NPs as part of the annual National Nurse Practitioner Week (NP Week) celebration.

“We wish to take this time to thank our NPs at Family Health and in our community for the high quality compassionate care they provide,” said Kelly Warren, Executive Director for Family Health.

NP Week recognizes the positive impact NPs make in the lives of patients and vital role they play in the health of the nation. These NPs practice in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices across the country — wherever patients are in need.

“There are 355,000 NPs caring for patients in nearly every health care setting across our county,” said AANP President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP. “Every day, NPs deliver high-quality care to their patients, improving the access, delivery, outcomes, and efficiency of our nation’s health care system.

“This year, the NP role was named as the number one job that helps people, according to U.S News & World Report. NP Week is an excellent time to recognize the value NPs bring to health care and to showcase the important work they do for their communities.”

Since its inception in 1979, Family Health has provided services to the uninsured, underinsured, insured, and medically underserved populations of Mobile County.

To learn more about services and locations, visit https://mchd.org/family-health. To make an appointment, you may call 251-690-8889.

November 3, 2023

MCHD to observe National Diabetes Month

MOBILE, Ala. — November is National Diabetes Month, with November 14 set aside as World Diabetes Day. This month is a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant rise in the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes. Today, it affects approximately 37 million Americans, including adults and youths. In Mobile County, 13.8 percent of our residents are diagnosed as diabetic or pre-diabetic, which is 2 percent higher than the state’s average and 4 percentage points higher than the national average.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) has several events planned for the month. On November 7, the Health Equity Office will collaborate with the City of Mobile to host a Diabetes Awareness Outreach. On November 14, MCHD will receive an International Diabetes Day proclamation from city officials.

Diabetes Month’s colors are blue and gray. On November 14, there will be the “Nailing Diabetes” challenge. For those wishing to participate, they can paint their nails blue for the day or week.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease, and it is linked to some forms of cancer.

There is some good news. Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Research shows that managing your diabetes as soon as possible after being diagnosed may help prevent serious diabetes health conditions. Below are some tips to help manage your diabetes:

• Manage your diabetes ABCs
  • A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose (sugar) levels. Know your A1C glucose level and monitor it regularly.
  • B is for blood pressure.
  • C is for cholesterol. 

• Develop healthy lifestyle habits – plan healthy meals, be physically active, get enough sleep, and quit smoking to help you manage your diabetes ABCs.

• Take the correct dose of medicine and at the prescribed time – if you are having a problem taking your medicine, contact your physician right away.

• Take care of your mental health – having health problems can be overwhelming and cause you to be sad and anxious, don’t be afraid to seek help from mental health professionals.

• Work with your health care team – Managing diabetes takes a team, which may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. While it takes a team to manage diabetes, remember that you are the most important participant.

 For more information regarding diabetes, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYg25EzdCKQ.

November 2, 2023

Human case of West Nile Virus 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 fifth 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.

November 1, 2023

Family Health earns Community Health Center Quality Recognition badges

MOBILE, Ala. — Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department, has been awarded three Community Health Center Quality Recognition (CHCQR) badges from the Health Resources & Services Administration. Of the 17 Federally Qualified Health Centers in Alabama, Family Health is one of the six to receive at least three or more badges.

CHCQR badges recognize Health Center Program awardees that have made notable achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, health information technology, social risk factors screening, and COVID-19 public health emergency response. Family Health received its badges for:

Being a Primary Care Medical Home. A Primary Care Medical Home provides health care that is relationship-based with an orientation toward whole-person care.

Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality. This badge recognizes health centers that meet all criteria to optimize HIT services.

Addressing Social Risk Factors. This badge recognizes health centers that are screening for social risk factors impacting patient health and are increasing access to enabling services.

Since its inception in 1979, Family Health has provided services to the uninsured, underinsured, insured, and medically underserved populations of Mobile County. In addition to the general population, the center has also targeted special populations (such as migrant and seasonal workers, refugees, public housing residents, and people living with HIV/AIDS).

November 1, 2023

Open Enrollment for health insurance has begun

MOBILE, Ala. — The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on https://www.healthcare.gov begins today. Consumers who enroll by midnight December 15 can get full year coverage that starts January 1, 2024.

This year, 13 million Americans will continue to save an average of $800 per year on their health insurance. Four out of five customers will be able to find a plan for $10 or less after subsidies. Consumers with coverage through HealthCare.gov are encouraged to return and shop to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost.

The Mobile County Health Department and Family Health, its primary care division, have Certified Application Counselors ready to assist. The counselors have been trained and are able to help consumers as they look for health coverage options through the Health Insurance Exchange. They can assist consumers in completing eligibility and enrollment forms. Assistance by the Certified Application Counselors is free to consumers.

Certified Application Counselors can be found at all Family Health centers conveniently located throughout Mobile County. You may visit https://mchd.org/family-health/#locations for a list of sites, or call directly at 251-445-8632 for the Patient Assistance Department.

October 31, 2023

Rabies clinics planned in November for dogs, cats, ferrets

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are good for one year during weekend clinics. Here is a list of the rabies clinics planned during Saturdays in November across Mobile County:

• November 4, 10 a.m. to noon, Little Flower Catholic School, 2103 Government Street in Mobile
• November 11, 9 a.m. to noon, Prichard Animal Shelter, 2402 West Rebel Road
• November 11, 1 to 3 p.m., Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road in Mobile
• November 18, 1 to 3 p.m., B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile

These events will be drive-through clinics. The cost of the rabies vaccine per pet is $12. All rabies shots are payable in cash.

Each month, MCHD’s Rabies Officer provides residents with low-cost vaccines for their pet dogs, cats, and ferrets at a variety of locations. The state of Alabama tasks local health departments with providing affordable rabies vaccinations to pet owners. MCHD’s Rabies Officer provided 173 vaccinations (146 dogs and 27 cats) during October.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected mammals to humans and is fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms of rabies include unusual behavior, irritability, headache, fever, inability to eat or drink, balance problems, circling, seizures, coma, and, finally, death. All warm-blooded mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.

MCHD’s Rabies Officer vaccinated 1,537 household pets (1,247 dogs and 290 cats) in 2022. To learn more about our program, visit https://mchd.org/disease-control/#rabies.

A Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/assets/rabiesquarantinefactsheet.pdf.

October 25, 2023

MCHD supports Take Back Day for prescription medicines

MOBILE, Ala. — Opioid overdose deaths and emergency room overdose visits have increased. The Drug Enforcement Administration announced its next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 28.

At its last Take Back Day in April, the DEA collected a large amount of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, with the public turning in 663,725 pounds of unneeded medications at nearly 5,000 collection sites. Since its inception in 2010, DEA’s bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day has removed more than 17 million pounds of unnecessary medications from communities across the country.

The public can drop off expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications at collection sites across our community. You can learn more about the event by visiting https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the following organization will have sites established: The Mobile Police Department will provide a drop-off location at its headquarters (2460 Government Street in Mobile). The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office will have drop-off locations at Costco (1450 Tingle Circle East in Mobile), Walgreens #15151 (5705 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile), Walgreens #6085 (5530 Three North Road in Mobile), CVS #4888 (4453 Old Shell Road in Mobile), and CVS #7671 (1401 Hillcrest Road in Mobile).

“It is important to note that prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved to be abused or illegally sold, and drugs flushed down toilets can contaminate the water supply,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Many studies show that the unused prescription drugs can find their way into the wrong hands, creating a dangerous and often tragic situation in our families and communities.”

The Mobile County Health Department’s Overdose Prevention program plans to have a booth set up at the Mobile Police Department headquarters. The Overdose Prevention program focuses on the complex and changing nature of the drug overdose epidemic. It highlights the need for an interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and cohesive public health approach. For more information, call 251-410- 6322.