DHEC offers free testing on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
SOURCE: DHEC PRESS RELEASE
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is offering testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Testing is being offered at multiple public health departments on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
South Carolinians of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to take advantage of the free testing to know their health status when it comes to HIV and STDs, said DHEC officials.
DHEC said African Americans account for 67% of people living with diagnosed HIV in South Carolina even though African Americans only represent 26% of the total population in the state.
“Additionally, among people newly diagnosed with HIV, excluding those with an unknown or other race, 59 percent are African Americans, which is another grave disproportionate burden. It is important to promote testing and prevention messages to reach those who have not yet been tested and don’t know their HIV status,” said Ali Mansaray, director for the division of STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual day that focuses on the progress in HIV prevention and care among African Americans.
To schedule an appointment for free HIV/STD testing on Feb. 6, call 855-
To learn more about HIV and AIDS, click here.
In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, DHEC is offering free testing for HIV and STDs at participating public health departments on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Learn more: https://t.co/MczLJKVrBf pic.twitter.com/IbIOAMOtlJ
— SCDHEC (@scdhec) February 5, 2024
