Categories: CharityEvents/What's HappeningNewsOrangeburg, SC

Free STD and HIV Testing in South Carolina

Volunteers providing free STD and HIV testing at a community health event.

News Summary

On April 10, the South Carolina State Department of Public Health (SC DPH) is offering free STD and HIV testing across the state. This initiative coincides with STI Awareness Week and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, aiming to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding these infections. Focused particularly on younger populations, the SC DPH is also implementing tailored programs to support at-risk communities. Join the health organizations for vital resources and testing opportunities, and mark your calendar for an informative day dedicated to sexual health.

Free STD and HIV Testing Coming to South Carolina

Gather around folks! If you’re in South Carolina, you’ll want to pay attention to this essential news. The South Carolina State Department of Public Health (SC DPH) is rolling out a golden opportunity for you to get free STD and HIV testing. Mark your calendars for April 10, as community health organizations gear up to support you and your health needs. This is in celebration of STI Awareness Week and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Aiming for Awareness

The primary goal of this initiative is straightforward yet vital: to boost awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, with a particular focus on the younger population. STI Awareness Week shines a spotlight on these health topics, aiming to educate the masses. By doing so, the SC DPH hopes to decrease the stigma, fear, and discrimination associated with these infections.

In many counties across South Carolina, various local offices of the SC DPH are getting involved in this testing event. It’s a fantastic chance for everyone to know their status and engage in preventive measures. If you’re wondering where to go for testing, simply give the DPH STD/HIV Hotline a call at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437) for more information on testing locations.

Programs Tailored for Youth

The SC DPH isn’t just stopping at free testing; they actively partner with communities to create programs aimed specifically at those at a higher risk for STIs, and that includes our youth and young adults. According to recent data from 2023, there’s promising news from the world of STI prevention. The use of Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) can significantly help in preventing STIs when taken within 72 hours of exposure. How incredible is that?

Now, while the rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea show improvement, there’s also a concern as syphilis cases continue to rise at a slower pace. This highlights the necessity for ongoing education, testing, and treatment — the SC DPH is on it! They promote and ensure access to treatment and support for all affected by HIV and STIs.

Exciting Events on the Horizon

PrEP Awareness Week. This week focuses on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a remarkable method of preventing HIV transmission, provided it’s taken consistently. The SC DPH has lined up educational webinars aimed at healthcare providers throughout the week. These sessions will run from Monday to Thursday and promote up to seven free continuing education credits. Sounds like a great way to learn, right?

If you’re looking for in-person interaction, an in-person PrEP Symposium is scheduled for Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and gather resources on PrEP and more.

Celebrating Awareness at Colleges

college PrEP Block Party on April 10 at Claflin University in Orangeburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More events are also cooking up at The College of Charleston and The Citadel on the same day.