• Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill - ADPH has issued precautions and health advisories, created a list of frequently asked questions, and posted surveillance data and links to information related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Learn more>>
  
  
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) - WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last six months, infants, and children under the age of five. Learn more>>
  
  
• Influenza Vaccine - The 2010-2011 seasonal vaccine includes the H1N1 strain and will be available at county health departments in the coming weeks. Contact your local county health department for information on vaccine availability. Learn more>>
  
  
• Infant Mortality Rate Drops - Alabama's infant mortality rate of 8.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2009 was the lowest ever recorded. Learn more>>
  
  
• Heat-Related Deaths - Be alert to the warning signals of heat illnesses. Between June and mid-August at least six persons ranging from preschool age to their 80s have been confirmed to have died from heat-related causes in Alabama. Learn more>>
  
  
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - The number of reported Pertussis cases is on the rise. Adolescents and adults need to receive the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to protect themselves. Learn more>>
  
  
• New Immunization Requirements - The state rules governing immunization have changed to better protect Alabama’s young children and adolescents. Recent amendments affect preschoolers and students entering sixth grade. Learn more>>
  
  
• Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) - The SRTS Program is accepting funding proposals from local communities to address roadway and safety issues such as congestion within school zones and inadequate pedestrian facilities. Application deadline is November 30. Learn more>>
  
  
• AlabamaQuitNow.com - The Alabama Tobacco Quitline is now offering free, online counseling services for any Alabamian who is ready to quit tobacco. Learn more>>
  
  
• Prostate Services - The Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has created a new website to capture prostate-health efforts across the state, to serve as a prostate health clearinghouse, and to promote discussions between patients and providers. Learn more>>
  
  
• Teen Driving - The Alabama Child Death Review System has created a new website providing information about teen drivers and injury prevention and outlining the newly amended Graduated Driver's License Law. Learn more>>
  
  

• Annual Alabama Youth Council - The 7^th Annual Alabama Youth Council, hosted by the Focus Program, will be held September 14. Learn more>>
  
  
• Free Prostate Cancer Screenings - Get a free screening at Perry, Hale, Wilcox, Conecuh, Marengo, or Barbour county health departments on specific dates this fall. Learn more>>
  
  
• Women's Health Update - The Office of Women's Health invites all dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers to attend the Third Annual Women's Health Update on October 16. Learn more>>
  
  
• Walk To Fight Diabetes - Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is the fundraising walk of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Walks will be held in October and November. Learn more>>

• Learn more about novel H1N1 influenza?
• Prepare for an emergency?
• Check restaurant scores?
• Apply for health insurance online?
• Order a birth/death/marriage certificate?
• Review health care facility deficiencies?
• Find a directory of health care facilities?
• Apply for WIC?
• Obtain free family planning services?
• Get help to quit smoking?

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Improvements in beach conditions for Baldwin and Mobile counties have led the Alabama Department of Public Health to reassess the need for swimming advisories, and we can now lift them. However, we recognize that even in the absence of visible oil, oil products may still be present in the sand or in the water. The department is replacing red swimming advisory signs with yellow signs that outline several precautions for beachgoers.

While the nature of the event is changing and large amounts of oil intruding on the beach are less likely, there may still be sporadic oil on or near the beaches. The department continues to encourage individuals not to enter waters if there is visible oil present in the water.

The department has been continually monitoring the 72-hour surface oil forecasts, as well as surveillance for the presence of heavy oil sheen, mousse and other oil products along Alabama beaches. Current trajectories do not show any likely oil impact and recent observation from both the beach and the air show only light sheen near shore. These improving conditions meet criteria established by the department to lift advisories.

The Alabama Department of Public Health continues working with federal and state agencies to ensure the health of the public as authorities continue to deal with the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. We recognize there are concerns about potential health consequences and we are preparing to deal with the tremendous challenges ahead.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the advisories as indicated. The situation could change at any time, and if it changes, we will provide guidance to keep you informed.

You will find recommendations on this website concerning health precautions and other information related to the oil spill. Persons involved in cleanup should follow any special health precautions provided by those directing cleanup operations. We will continue working to obtain up-to-date information as a public health priority, and we will provide additional guidance as more becomes known.