Fighting the Black HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Black Americans make up 25.7 percent of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.'s population; yet 47 percent of people diagnosed with HIV in the city between 2010 and 2014 were Black.

There is no doubt that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can make a difference. After all, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by 96 percent. However, 85 percent of its current users in the United States are White men.

Getting the word out to Fort Lauderdale's Black community is critical to getting the number of new HIV diagnoses down. Michael Anthony Alonso, a biomedical-interventions specialist for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, where Fort Lauderdale is located, shares how the department is ensuring that more communities know about and gain the most access to PrEP.

What are the biggest barriers in Fort Lauderdale that are keeping PrEP from being more widely used?

PrEP is not a "drug"; PrEP is a program. It consists of taking a medication, every day, to prevent HIV-1 in conjunction with safer-sex practices. It also consists of quarterly doctor's visits where the client will receive risk-reduction counseling, STI screening, HIV testing and medication-adherence counseling.

Barriers may include access, adherence, transportation, insurance, readiness, stigma and awareness among patients, providers and others.

Each client is unique and will experience their own set of challenges and barriers. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County [DOH-Broward] PrEP Navigator Program assesses each client individually and helps them to address barriers and develop a structured prevention plan. DOH-Broward clients will be followed for at least one year and supported throughout their PrEP experience, as well as linked to other services, such as housing, mental health, substance abuse.

Tell us about some of the work Fort Lauderdale is doing to ensure that communities of color have access to PrEP.

DOH-Broward is increasing awareness about PrEP through town halls and community presentations and ensuring that PrEP is being addressed in the advisory groups of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council [BCHPPC], led by DOH-Broward. These include Latinos en Acción and Black Treatment Advocates Network/Black AIDS Advisory Group, in collaboration with the Black AIDS Institute.

Additionally, the other BCHPPC advisory groups, including the Perinatal Providers Network and Transgender Workgroup, focus their efforts on communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

DOH-Broward provides information for physicians, institutions of higher learning, clinic and hospital settings, and community partners. We also provide quality assurance and improvement, and technical assistance for provider sites wishing to provide PrEP.

Our PrEP Navigator Program works to ensure that minority communities have access to PrEP by linking clients to culturally competent providers, assisting with patient-assistance programs for eligible clients, and addressing other barriers, like transportation.

Why is it important for the local health department to play a major role in helping communities of color gain access to PrEP?

The Florida Department of Health's mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. PrEP is part of Florida's plan to eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related deaths though a coordinated response across public-health-system partners.

Our vision is to be the healthiest state in the nation.

Tamara E. Holmes is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist who writes about health, wealth and personal growth.