Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
These 3 stats tell a powerful story about Jefferson County’s health
Reading time: 4 minutes
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As National Public Health Week 2026 kicks off today, there’s real momentum to celebrate right here in Jefferson County.
Through the work of the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) and its community partners, 2025 brought measurable progress on some of our community’s most pressing challenges.
Read on for a report on the numbers, plus how healthcare is becoming more accessible for county residents.
A safer, healthier Jefferson County
Let’s start with the numbers. In 2025, Jefferson County saw:
- A 40% decrease in opioid overdose deaths
- A 36% decrease in homicides
- A 29% decrease in infant mortality rates
These stats aren’t just numbers: They represent lives saved, families supported and a stronger, healthier community overall.
What’s driving this progress?
Behind these numbers are strategic, collaborative programs designed to meet people where they are.
Initiatives like From Day One focus on improving maternal and infant health outcomes, offering resources and support to families during critical early stages of life.
On another front, the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program is helping combat the opioid crisis by using real-time data to guide prevention efforts, expand access to treatment and distribute life-saving tools like Narcan and fentanyl test strips. (Learn more about what Narcan is, how to use it + where to get it for free here!)
Together, these programs show what’s possible when public health efforts are proactive, data-driven and community-focused.
Bringing care directly to the community
The mobile unit Has a full team of medical professionals from the Jefferson County Dept of Health on board. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
One of the most visible ways Jefferson County is making healthcare more accessible and affordable? The Mobile Health Unit AKA “Healthcare on Wheels”.
This traveling clinic is breaking down barriers to care by delivering FREE medical services directly to neighborhoods across Jefferson County, no insurance or income required.
Operating four to five days a week, the mobile unit is staffed by a full team of medical professionals and offers a wide range of services on the spot, including:
- Preventive care + cancer screenings
- Immunizations + HPV vaccines
- STI testing + treatment
- Birth control + pregnancy testing
- Pap smears + breast exams
- Blood pressure checks
- Free Narcan + fentanyl test strips
For many residents—especially those who are uninsured, underinsured or face transportation challenges—this unit is more than convenient. It’s essential.
The Mobile Health Unit prioritizes outreach to communities that often face the greatest barriers to care, including individuals experiencing homelessness, immigrants, LGBTQ+ residents and those living in rural or underserved areas.
And for eligible women, it even provides free pap smears and mammograms, helping detect potential health issues early when they’re most treatable.
Why public health matters
Public health is often something people don’t notice until they need it. But as these milestones show, its impact is everywhere: in safer communities, healthier families and expanded access to care.
As part of National Public Health Week, you can hear what’s next for local health efforts during the 2026 State of the County’s Health Address, presented by Dr. David Hicks.
The event will highlight key insights and priorities for the year ahead, plus recognize local leaders through Public Health Champion Awards. Attendees can also learn more about community initiatives from JCDH and the UAB School of Public Health.
While in-person registration is closed, you can still watch virtually:
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 10:30AM–1:00PM
- Streaming via Zoom
Want to see the Mobile Health Unit in action or find out where it’s headed next? Follow Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) on social media or call (205) 588-5234 to learn more.
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