MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) Activities Team served as the official starters today for the third annual Overdose Awareness 5K Walk at Lyons Park. The event was sponsored by MCHD’s Overdose Prevention team.

The event was free to the public and several vendors were present to provide resources to the community. Along with the Activities Team and Overdose Prevention, also representing MCHD and Family Health – its primary care division – were the STD Surveillance team; the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program; and the Mobile Medical Unit team. Vector Services provided its golf cart and all-terrain vehicle to safely escort the walkers around Lyons Park.

“The Overdose 5K is impacting our community in a positive way,” said Danielle Simpson, who oversees the Overdose Prevention program. “Each year, we see more vendors and participants. Our goal is to remember those who have been affected by overdose and bring awareness, including resources to support our community.”

In 2016, an initiative called “MCHD Declares War on Physical Inactivity” began. Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, then serving as Health Officer for Mobile County, pointed out that Alabama has one of the highest obesity percentages in America.

To encourage residents to go outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings while exercising, Dr. Eichold arranged to borrow a Civil War re-enactment cannon to serve as the “starting gun” for the Azalea Trail Run that year. The response was so positive that Dr. Eichold acquired funds to purchase our own weapon to battle obesity, and the “Cannon Team” was formed.

MCHD has participated in a variety of outreach events over the years. Now, in a move to better describe its mission, the unit has changed its name to the “Activities Team.”

Dr. Kevin Michaels, who assumed the position of Health Officer in 2022, has continued supporting the Activities Team’s mission. He participates in community events and encourages residents to go outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings while exercising.

The Lyle Line-Throwing Cannon, which has a 2.5-inch-diameter barrel, was manufactured by Coston in the early 1900s. It is not a replica, reproduction, or toy. The cannon was designed to fire a projectile attached to a rope to a boat or a victim in distress. Now, it is used to inspire those seeking a healthier lifestyle and just getting outside to enjoy our wonderful surroundings.

Dr. Derrick Scott supervises a team of MCHD employees that has been trained to safely use the device. Taking part on Saturday were Patricia Suggs (who fired the cannon), Edward Franklin, Tracey Hall, Tiffany Jackson, Eddie Jones, Gwen Jones, Pebbles King, Roxanne Lee, William Tayor, LaJoya Todd, and Henry Wright.

Any other groups interested in having the MCHD Activities Team attend their event should contact the Office of Communications by calling 251-690-8823 or via email to [email protected].