DPH Offers Free STD HIV Testing, Webinars During PrEP Awareness Week

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will hold its sixth annual PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Awareness Week, a statewide initiative to increase awareness about PrEP and HIV prevention. Activities include offering free and confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing at most local health departments on September 30, with appointments available by phone or online. In collaboration with community partners, DPH will also provide free testing, counseling, and resources at college campuses throughout September. For health care providers, DPH and the South Carolina AIDS Education & Training Center will host a series of free continuing education webinars on PrEP and related topics, as well as a virtual Primary Care Summit. The goal, according to DPH’s PrEP and Clinical Services Manager Tia Robinson, is to increase knowledge about HIV testing and prevention, stating that “knowing your status is the first step toward protecting your health”. More information on all events is available on the DPH website.