Healthcare Access
We envision a Mobile County where every young person grows up healthy
Current State
Mobile is home to world-class hospitals and healthcare providers, yet too many families still struggle to access the care they need. Nearly one in five adults ages 18–64 is uninsured, and Alabama ranks last in the nation for access to mental health providers.
Young people consistently express a need for more mental health support — not just in crisis, but in everyday moments at school and at home. They want more opportunities to talk with trained adults, more understanding from families about the challenges their generation faces, and better-equipped educators who can provide ongoing support.
Gaps in coverage, limited access, and shortages in mental health services leave many young people without the care they need to grow and thrive
Future State
We envision a Mobile where every child grows up healthy in both body and mind. Families can access affordable, reliable healthcare, schools provide on-site mental health supports, and seeking help is met with understanding and meaningful resources.
In this future, no child’s potential is limited by unmet health needs. Every young person has the support, care, and stability they need to thrive.
What the Partnership Will DO
advocate for change
By addressing state policy and regulatory barriers that limit healthcare access for youth.
Expand School- Based Access to Care
So students can get help where they learn.
Increase access to mental health services
By training trusted adults and growing the number of providers.
Close gaps in coverage
By boosting Medicaid enrollment.
Together, these steps will make health and well-being a foundation — not a barrier — for youth success.
Our Focus
Expand School-Based Access to Care
Increase Access to Mental Health Services
We aim to bring healthcare directly to students by increasing the number of school-based health centers across Mobile County.
Our Approach:
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Create dedicated spaces in schools where students can receive healthcare services.
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Use mobile health units at school sites that do not yet have school-based centers.
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Expand access to care through telehealth options available within schools.
More young people should be able to get help early — from trained, caring adults as well as professional providers.
Our Approach:
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Build a centralized directory of youth mental health providers so adults can make informed referrals and easily share resources.
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Partner with youth-serving organizations, family programs, and educational institutions to provide mental health training and resources to staff and volunteers.
Reduce the Gap Between Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment
Address Policy and Regulatory Barriers
Many youth who qualify for Medicaid are not enrolled — leaving them without essential coverage.
Our Approach:
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Host enrollment support fairs at schools with school-based health clinics.
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Include Medicaid enrollment information in back-to-school packets and sports participation forms.
To ensure long-term access, we must remove policy obstacles that prevent youth from receiving timely, affordable healthcare.
Our Approach:
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Collaborate with partners to identify the policy barriers preventing families from accessing care.
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Advocate for necessary policy and regulatory changes to reduce those barriers.
Mental Health Providers per 100,000 Residents
(2019-2024)Mental Health Incidents by Type per 100,000 Population
(2020-2025)