Ending HIV with an Ounce of Preventing

By Dixie Black

      “A lot of people don’t know that HIV is still a problem. They think it was eradicated in the 80’s.”

Krystle Kirkland-Mobley is the HIV Prevention Program Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH Broward). She shared statistics from FDH to underscore her point,

“According to the Florida Department of Health, 466 newly diagnosed people living with HIV were identified in 2020 in Broward County. 28% of Adult HIV diagnoses in 2020 were among Male 50+, followed closely by Male ages 20-29 at 27%. Female ages 30-39 represented 30%, followed by Female ages 50+ at 24%.”

Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley also pointed out that the 2021 statistics are still being compiled. However, it is obvious that we still have work to do. The United States Government has a bold plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030 and Kirkland-Mobley is at the forefront of the battle.

These statistics also debunk the idea that this is a problem mainly among youth or single folks. In fact, the DOH Administrator identified that top sources of HIV infection include, not only substance abuse, sharing of needles, lack of condom use and survival sex, but also assumed monogamous relationships that in fact are not. This last category is a catch-all for people of all ages.

“It only takes one time [to contract HIV]. HIV is prevalent. You are either infected or affected, either you have it or know of someone who does.” Kirkland-Mobley adds, “But you may not know that you know someone who has HIV, so get educated, and get tested.”

The Broward County Administrator’s passion for education is unmistakable. She explains the reason for this passion using the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

“There are so many tools to prevent HIV and to lower transmission rates that people don’t know about. If we prevent, then we don’t have to treat!”

Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley developed her passion many years ago when she started volunteering in the community. As she educated herself and others, she was struck by the number of people who would remark, “I didn’t know that!” when she shared information on HIV treatment and prevention.

Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley has earned her Master of Human Services at Nova Southeastern University and is the 2016 Salutatorian of the Black AIDS Institute’s African American HIV University Science and Treatment College. She went on to serve as the Minority AIDS Coordinator (MAC) for DOH Broward where she conducted community mobilization efforts and provided health education for communities disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS before becoming an Administrator.

Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley has also served as the Government Co- Chair of the Broward County Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) Chapter. She served as the ‘Sistas Organizing to Survive’ Health Department representative by mobilizing and empowering Black women to take control of their sexual health to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases. With this extensive background, Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley has proven herself a tremendous asset in field of HIV/ AIDs prevention in Broward County. Especially since she is a hands-on type of Administrator.

“The Department of Health partners with all community organizations, even non-traditional ones that need help. For example, we partner with working women impacted by domestic violence, as well as festivals and parades, in order to educate the public.

“The biggest event is ‘Light up Sistrunk’, in which DOH partners with BTAN and other non- traditional organizations like Melvin K. Wright’s grassroots organization.”

On April 1, 2022, the Administrator and her team could be seen at one such event, Finally Friday. Finally, Friday on Sistrunk is a series of FREE outdoor, family friendly, pop-up events held at Provident Park and along the Historic Sistrunk Boulevard, (Fort Lauderdale CRA | Historic Sistrunk • Progresso • Flagler Fort Lauderdale CRA | Historic Sistrunk • Progresso • Flagler.)

At events like these Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley offers attendees free information, gifts, and resources. She helps all who come by to know their HIV status through testing, find resources, and understanding how to use these resources.

She points out that there are also many resources available through the Florida Department of Health websites. Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley stresses “PREP”. This is a one pill a day system that reduces the changes of contracting HIV.  WWW.GetPrEPBroward.com .

“I can’t do it by myself. My team and I, along with our community partners like Melvin Wright and Aids Health Foundation (AHF), educate, entertain, offer opportunities for HIV testing, distribute toys and more.” Together these partnerships have given out over one thousand toys.

Ms. Ebonni Chrispin of AHF, truly appreciates the collaboration with the Administrator.

“AHF continues to be grateful for the partnership with Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley and the Department of Health to end the World Aids epidemic.”

Mrs. Kirkland-Mobley has 22 staff that help her bring these resources to the Broward community. The partnerships include a statewide initiative that provides free condoms in restaurants, Mom-and-Pop’s establishments, stores, faith-based organizations and more.

The DOH administrator finds satisfaction in knowing she has offered that one ounce of prevention that can result in one less case of HIV in Broward County and in the world.