ThinkTeen

MCHD's Community Prevention Programs and Community Outreach Programs took part today in the Mobile County Employee Health Fair at Mobile Government Plaza. Harold Jones and Nikeland Nichols were present to discuss several programs, including Overdose Prevention, To***co Prevention, and the Fatherhood Initiative.

Most of us use "mood" and "emotion" interchangeably — but they work a little differently, and knowing that can actually help. 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. https://alabama.crediblemind.com/lists/understanding-and-cultivating-positive-emotions

September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early testing and the many programs available to support the health of newborns and families in Mobile County. https://mchd.org/mchd-observes-newborn-screening-awareness-month-highlights-programs-supporting-healthy-babies-09-21-26/

This year's All-Grantee Meeting (AGM) is taking place this week in Washington, D.C. It is celebrating the rich 35-year legacy of Healthy Start while inspiring the path forward. Representing the Mobile County Health Department are Pebbles King, WyKena Carter, and Danielle Simpson.

The AGM is an opportunity for Healthy Start, Healthy Start Enhanced, and Catalyst grantees from across the country to come together to connect, engage and inspire. Throughout the meeting, grantees will have the opportunity to network, attend plenary sessions, participate in break-out sessions, and connect with their federal project officers.

At today's Mobile City Council meeting, District 2 Councilmember Dr. Samantha Ingram for District 2 presented a proclamation for National Community Health Worker Awareness Week. Tokie Dunn, the Director for the Mobile County Health Department's Community Prevention Programs, highlighted the vital roles, leadership, and positive community impacts of community health workers across the United States. Along with several other Community Health Workers, also present were Dr. Stephanie Woods-Crawford, Executive Director for MCHD's Prevention & Wellness section, and Anthony Widner, who works with MCHD's Lead Prevention Program.

Tokie Dunn, the Maternal & Child Health program director for the Mobile County Health Department, recently took part in the 2026 Skills Institute for Title V Teams and Their Partners with the theme this year of “Growing Your Title V Impact Through Strategic Partnerships.” https://mchd.org/mchd-takes-part-in-title-v-conference-08-11-26/

The Alabama Newborn Screening Program ensures all infants are screened for genetic, metabolic, and congenital conditions in accordance with state law. Early detection can prevent intellectual disability, serious illness, and even death. https://mchd.org/newborn-screening-protects-alabamas-newest-lives-08-11-26/

As we wrap up National Health Center Week, we celebrate the vital role community health centers play in strengthening Mobile County. Family Health, Accordia/AltaPointe, Mostellar Medical Center, Franklin Primary Medical Center, and our many valued local partners provide an essential safety net — helping individuals and families access affordable, quality health care close to home.

Access to care remains a challenge for many in our community. Community Health Centers rise to meet that need every day, delivering compassionate, comprehensive care and helping build a healthier Mobile County for all.

Thank you,
Dr. Kevin Michaels
Health Officer for Mobile County

As families across Mobile County pack backpacks and circle the first day of school on the calendar, MCHD is marking National Immunization Awareness Month with a timely reminder: now is the moment to make sure every shot record is current — for the classroom, and for the respiratory illness season quietly building behind it. https://mchd.org/mchd-marks-national-immunization-awareness-month-with-a-call-to-action-08-06-26/

A video has gone out featuring local pediatricians who discuss the importance of getting back-to-school vaccinations before the start of classes. https://mchd.org/local-pediatricians-discuss-importance-of-school-vaccinations-08-04-26/