Mobile County Health Department work recognized by CDC

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the Mobile County Health Department’s work to clean up the water and coast.

The work highlighted on the CDC’s website was the 35th annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup.

According to the MCHD release, the cleanup was made possible by the department’s Health Equity Office — which was established in 2021 due to grant funding from the CDC to address health disparities from COVID-19 — and community partners including the Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mount Vernon’s Willing Workers Community Action Group, and the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians.

Together the groups cleaned up over 3,000 pounds of trash along the coast and waterways.

The CDC noted on its website that the project did more than just clean up trash — it helped to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 since “Research has shown that [social determinants of health] indicators, such as access to clean water, healthcare, food security, and employment can help reduce the prevalence and severity of illnesses like COVID-19.”

“We are honored to be acknowledged for our efforts in advancing health equity and environmental justice within our community,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Health equity partnerships play a crucial role in improving the overall well-being of community members by addressing disparities and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need for a healthy life.”

For more information on the HEO, visit the Mobile County Health Department’s website. The full recognition for the cleanup work can be found on the CDC’s website .

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