DHEC Offers Free HIV/STDs Testing Feb. 7th
In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7, 2022, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is offering free testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at participating public health departments on Tuesday, Feb. 7th. DHEC encourages South Carolinians to take advantage of this free testing opportunity so you know your health status when it comes to STDs. Can’t make it to a testing event? No problem. Order a free test kit!
HIV, STD & Hepatitis Testing Location
This year, in conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, DHEC is also promoting the goal of “Ending the Epidemics” in South Carolina. This new initiative focuses on reducing the number of new HIV, STD and Hepatitis C infections, linking infected individuals to care, increase viral suppression for those living with HIV/AIDS, and reemphasizing prevention.
African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and are over-represented among all risk populations. “In 2021, African Americans accounted for 66 percent of the total people living with HIV in South Carolina even though they make up only 27 percent of the state’s population,” said Ali Manasary, DHEC’s director for the division of STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis. “This national observance day is an opportunity to reduce HIV stigma and lessen the HIV burden in black communities through education and testing.”
Throughout the year, DHEC clinics provide HIV testing at a small cost depending on the client's ability to pay.
For more information about HIV testing, as well as local HIV testing sites, call DHEC's AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437), or visit DHEC's service locator at scdhec.gov/HIVLocator.