UAB, local partners review COAST-AL progress, plan next steps for HIV services 10-01-26

October 1, 2026

UAB, local partners review COAST-AL progress, plan next steps for HIV services

MOBILE, Ala. — Investigators from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently met with implementation teams and community stakeholders from the Mobile County Health Department, Family Health, and AIDS Alabama South to review accomplishments and discuss the future of COAST-AL, a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment, linkage to care, and viral suppression efforts in coastal Alabama.

COAST-AL — a Type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial evaluating a population-health combination intervention designed to advance HIV testing, linkage to care, and viral suppression goals in coastal Alabama — brings together researchers, public-health professionals, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to identify and apply effective approaches that improve HIV-related health outcomes.

During the meeting, participants reflected on progress made through the partnership, including expanded coordination among service providers, strengthened connections between HIV testing and treatment services, and ongoing work to reduce barriers that can delay diagnosis, care, and viral suppression. The discussion also highlighted the importance of trusted community partnerships in reaching individuals who may be underserved or face challenges accessing healthcare.

“COAST-AL has shown what can be accomplished when researchers, healthcare providers, public-health agencies, and community organizations work toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “The progress made through this partnership is helping strengthen the systems that connect people to HIV testing, timely care, treatment, and the ongoing support needed to achieve better health outcomes.”

A key focus of the meeting was identifying next steps to sustain and build upon the work completed to date. Partners discussed opportunities to share lessons learned and best practices from the initiative, strengthen regional coordination, and pursue future resources that can support continued HIV prevention and care efforts for residents of Mobile County and surrounding counties.

“Addressing HIV requires a long-term commitment to prevention, early diagnosis, access to treatment, and support for people throughout their care journey,” Dr. Michaels said. “We are encouraged by the collaboration represented in COAST-AL and remain committed to carrying this work forward for the people and communities we serve.”

The Mobile County Health Department recognizes the UAB investigators, Family Health, AIDS Alabama South, implementation teams, community stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and partner organizations whose expertise and dedication have contributed to the initiative’s progress. Their continued collaboration is essential to ensuring residents across coastal Alabama have access to the information, services, and support needed to prevent HIV and live healthy lives.

The COAST-AL initiative reflects a shared commitment to using evidence-informed strategies, meaningful partnerships, and coordinated services to improve health outcomes across the region.