DHEC offering free HIV, STD testing at public health departments
SOURCE: DHEC PRESS RELEASE
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– To spread awareness for STD Awareness Week and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, DHEC is offering free testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at most public health departments on Thursday, April 11.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is encouraging South Carolinians to get the free testing so they can know their health status.
To schedule an appointment call 855-472-3432 or view a listing of DHEC’s local health departments online.
“DHEC’s programs and community partners focus their HIV and STD prevention efforts to reach people most at risk of acquiring these infections,” said Ali Mansaray, DHEC’s director for the Division of STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis.
In 2022, 82.5% of cases of chlamydia in South Carolina were diagnosed in adolescents and adults under age 30. Of those cases, officials say more than 1 in 4 (27.8%) were diagnosed in youth ages 15 to 19.
Also, in 2022, more than two-thirds (69%) of gonorrhea cases were diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 to 29 and of those diagnosed, almost 1 of every 5 cases (19%) were among youth ages 15 to 19.
While April 11 is an opportunity for free testing, DHEC encourages people who may be at risk of exposure to HIV and other STDs to routinely get tested so they can benefit from readily available prevention and treatment for these infections.
Visit the DHEC website for more information and resources on HIV and STDs.
