jefferson county department of health
Why trees are an environmental and health Swiss army knife
Cool Green Trees plants trees in under-resourced communities in the Birmingham area to help mitigate climate change and advance environmental justice initiatives.
After 12 years and a pandemic, Jefferson County’s health officer steps down
Dr. Mark Wilson is well-known for leading residents through the COVID-19 pandemic, but his legacy includes a larger effort to expand the role of public health.
Birmingham officials launch violence intervention program at UAB hospital
The initiative connects gunshot survivors with resources to try to stop the cycle of violence.
Health advocates hope Narcan’s over-the-counter status will bypass Alabama’s strict laws
Public health officials say the federal rule change should expand access to the overdose-reversing medication, after years of navigating tough state restrictions on who can dispense Narcan.
The Tragedy of North Birmingham
Industrial plants in Birmingham have polluted the air and land in its historic Black communities for over a century. In an epicenter of environmental injustice, officials continue to fail to right the wrongs plaguing the city’s north side.
Local health officials plan to increase monkeypox vaccinations
Health officials will soon begin offering intradermal vaccinations, reaching more people with less vaccine.
UAB And JeffCo Officials Plan Hospital-Based Intervention Program For Gunshot Survivors
Trauma doctors in Birmingham are treating a record number of patients with gunshot wounds. Health officials hope a violence intervention program could help reverse the trend.
Black Residents Call For More COVID Vaccine Outreach And Access
Concerned about disparities in vaccine allocation, Birmingham community leaders want officials to increase outreach efforts in Black neighborhoods.
‘Huge Number’ Of Jeffco Residents Soon Eligible For COVID Vaccines
Many people will have to wait weeks, maybe months to get the COVID-19 vaccine, despite being eligible.
What You Need To Know About The COVID Vaccine Rollout In Alabama
Answers to your questions about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Alabama. Who is eligible? How can you sign up to get a vaccine?
Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccinations In Jefferson County Could Start Next Week
The state authorized all counties to begin vaccinating first responders and people 75 years and older. But health officials say it will likely be next week before they can start doing that.
UAB Predicts COVID Hospital Patients Will Double By Christmas, Vaccines Expected Soon
In a gathering of 20 people, there's more than a 50% chance that one person in that gathering will be infectious and contagious with COVID-19, according to Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson.
JeffCo Health Officer: COVID-19 Straining Entire Public Health System
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson says COVID-19 is putting a strain on every part of the public health system.
Drug Overdoses Increase During The Pandemic
Suspected drug overdoses have increased significantly in recent months across Alabama. Experts say the uptick is related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Face Masks Required Throughout Jefferson County Starting Monday
Beginning Monday, face masks will be required in indoor spaces open to the public throughout Jefferson County. Health officer Dr. Mark Wilson announced the new order Friday, citing concerns about the recent increase in spread of COVID-19.
Association Protests Plan To Put Recovering COVID-19 Patients In Nursing Homes
The Alabama Nursing Home Association opposes a decision by Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson to place patients who are recovering from COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Advocates Call For COVID-19 Resources In Spanish, Other Languages
Local advocacy groups say non-English speaking immigrants are an especially vulnerable group during this crisis, and not enough is being done to help them.
Getting Out For A Walk In The Woods? Social Distancing Still Applies
With gyms closed and kids home from school, more people are visiting area parks. Some officials are grappling with how to manage the crowds without putting the public’s health at risk.
‘Drastic Efforts’ In Jeffco Aim To Curb The Spread Of Coronavirus
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials announced Tuesday a series of orders to limit public gatherings in Jefferson County.
The Big Q: Coronavirus In Alabama. What Do I Need To Know?
Experts answer your questions about coronavirus in Alabama.
Alabama Still Has Not Detected Coronavirus. Health Officials Advise Acting Otherwise
Alabama remains one of a handful of states where the coronavirus has not been detected. Some say officials should be doing more to prepare and test for the disease.
Jefferson County Department Of Health Prepared For Coronavirus
In a press conference, President Trump insisted the risk of Americans getting the coronavirus disease remains very low. But CDC officials say they expect COVID-19 to spread to more states across the U.S. and they’re preparing local health departments with specific guidelines for dealing with the disease.
Gasp, SELC Challenge ABC Coke Consent Decree
A fight over ABC Coke’s air pollution in Birmingham and Tarrant entered federal court Tuesday as groups charged that a consent decree agreement approved last spring is too weak to guarantee that unlawful discharges of the cancer-causing chemical benzene will stop.
Birmingham Approves No-Smoking “Health District”
The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday to ban smoking in a portion of downtown Birmingham.
Hepatitis A Outbreak Spreads to Jefferson County
Health officials announced Tuesday the county is fighting an outbreak of Hepatitis A.
Neighborhoods Want Trust Fund Set Up From Proposed ABC Coke’s Benzene Pollution Case
The North Birmingham community made clear this week that it wants money from an ABC Coke pollution penalty to be used to create a trust fund to benefit residents in the surrounding area.
UAB Launches Program to Improve Treatment of Opioid Overdose
UAB’s Emergency Department is starting a new program to better treat patients with opioid use disorder. The initiative focuses on increasing the use of a drug called Suboxone.
Jeffco Health Officials: Violence is a Public Health Issue
Violence is the newest strategic focus for the Jefferson County Department of Health. It was one of several topics discussed in Tuesday's annual State of Health in Jefferson County address.
Flu Activity Widespread in Alabama
Rates of flu-like activity are on the rise throughout Alabama. They've been increasing for a few weeks now, and a number of schools have closed because of the virus.
Naloxone Helps Stop Heroin Overdoses in Alabama, But Still Not Widely Used
In Jefferson County, heroin abuse rose dramatically in 2014. The county coroner attributed more than 140 deaths to heroin. Law enforcement and the state have been rushing to respond. Last year, the state legislature approved access to a heroin antidote: naloxone, more commonly known as narcan. If used properly, naloxone can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Public health officials in Alabama are trying raise awareness and get the potentially life-saving drug to the people who need it most.
Jefferson County 20/20 Health Plan Aims to Improve Overall Health of Community
It takes 20/20 focus to identify the multitude of factors impacting the health of Jefferson County residents. After months of planning, the County Department of Health has developed a plan and is putting it into action. The county and community organizations are partnering to improve health and quality of life with its Community Matters 20/20 Plan.
