BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — While Jefferson County is seeing measurable improvements in several major health areas, local leaders say one challenge continues to rise to the top: mental health.
During the State of the County’s Health address Tuesday, Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. David Hicks highlighted both progress and ongoing concerns shaping the community’s overall health.
“There’s been a lot of challenges in our community related to public health, but there’s a silver lining there’s been a lot of progress made as well,” Hicks said.
According to the Jefferson County Department of Health, several major indicators are trending in the right direction:
-Infant mortality rates are decreasing
-Opioid overdose deaths are down
-Homicides have declined
Hicks credits that progress to stronger collaboration between public health officials, nonprofits, and community partners.
“We can’t get comfortable with the numbers going down it just signals that we’re going in the right direction,” he said.
Despite those improvements, Hicks says mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing the county right now — especially among younger residents.
“A lot of people have mental health challenges top of mind, particularly for our young people,” he said.
Health leaders say the issue is complex and extends beyond what any single agency can solve. Still, the health department is working to increase awareness and connect people with available resources.
“Related to mental health, really it’s about raising awareness we have a free resource that people can use for self help,” Hicks said.
Hicks also pointed to another issue gaining attention: fluoride in drinking water.
“Water fluoridation is highlighted among major public health achievements because it reduces tooth decay at the population level,” he said.
The comments come just weeks after Central Alabama Water stopped adding fluoride to its system, impacting customers across multiple counties, including Jefferson County.
Health experts say the timing is significant — especially as dental health challenges already exist in the region.
According to Hicks, more than one in five kindergarteners and nearly one in four third graders in Alabama have untreated tooth decay, rates higher than the national average.
Public health officials warn that without fluoride, those numbers could increase — particularly for children and families who may not have regular access to dental care.
Hicks says addressing these issues will require continued collaboration across agencies and communities.
“We may not be the entity that can address every issue, but at least we can elevate it and work with community partners,” he said.
He also says the health department is working to expand pediatric dental screenings and connect more families to care.
Health leaders emphasize that while progress is happening, long-term investment, awareness, and access to resources will be critical to improving health outcomes across Jefferson County.