The state health department will provide free testing and PrEP resources at health departments and college campuses this month, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health is marking its seventh annual PrEP Awareness Week with free HIV testing and educational outreach, including stops at college campuses, according to the department.
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill or injection that can significantly lower the risk of HIV infection after exposure to the virus, according to DPH. The statewide observance is meant to boost awareness of PrEP among both health care providers and the public.
Most local health departments will offer free and confidential STD and HIV testing on Tuesday, Sept. 29, according to DPH. Appointments can be made by calling 1-855-472-3432 or scheduling online through the department’s Web Chat service.
DPH is also partnering with community-based organizations throughout September to provide free HIV testing, PrEP counseling and related resources on college campuses, according to the department.
“PrEP Awareness Week aims to increase awareness about HIV testing and prevention,” said Ali Mansary, director of DPH’s STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section. “We encourage South Carolinians to take advantage of our free testing events, as knowing your status is the first step toward protecting your health and preventing HIV.”
Additional information on testing sites and college locations is available at dph.sc.gov/PrEPweek, according to DPH. Year-round STD screening information is available by calling the department’s HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-2437 or visiting dph.sc.gov/std.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
