National Public Health Week recognized by the Mobile County Health Department

 

 

MOBILE, Alabama – The availability of public health centers across Mobile County, the state and beyond means that those who might not otherwise have access to quality primary health care are able to see a medical provider when they need to at a low cost.

As the nation strives to become more fit, the Mobile County Health Department is pleased to bring more awareness to National Public Health Week and its intended impacts. The week spans from April 6-10, 2015. President Barrack Obama celebrated public health this week with a proclamation that focused on shifting healthcare from sickness and disease to wellness and prevention.

“We know that public health is vital to every community,” said Dr. Bernard Eichold, health officer for Mobile County. “At MCHD, we strive to personally live our mission every day, promoting, improving and protecting the health of everyone who lives and works here.” 

 

Mobile’s public health agency has deep roots in the community. Founded in 1816, before Alabama became a state, public health has played a vital role in the proliferation of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

 

Since 1979, the Mobile County Health Department’s Family Health division has provided comprehensive primary care services throughout Mobile County and now provides primary care services at nine sites from Mount Vernon to Tillman’s Corner to Dauphin Island Parkway.

 

The sites, which are all designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers, are strategically located where the targeted population needs are the greatest and access to care is limited, agency officials said. A mobile health unit also brings primary care and wellness screenings to those who might not otherwise have the means to travel to a health center.