COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will observe its fifth annual PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Awareness Week by offering free HIV testing, PrEP educational webinars for providers and other activities, including visits to college campuses.
This annual statewide initiative aims to increase awareness among providers and the community regarding PrEP, a pill or injectable that can help significantly decrease HIV transmission if someone is exposed to the HIV virus.
“This is a great opportunity to bring more attention to PrEP’s key role in the fight against the spread of HIV,” said Tia Robinson, DPH’s PrEP program manager. “When taken consistently as recommended, PrEP is extremely effective in preventing infection. We invite providers and the public to participate in the various events – from webinars to testing – to learn more about PrEP and its positive impact on HIV prevention.”
During the week of Sept. 23-27, DPH is partnering with the South Carolina AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) to offer webinars to providers, who can earn up to seven free continuing education credits (CME, CNE, Pharmacy, and Social Work) by attending. The webinars will be held Monday through Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
Additionally, DPH and the AETC will host an in-person PrEP Symposium on Friday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s topics will include:
-Integrating PrEP Screening with the Well Woman Visit
-Selecting the Right PrEP Medication
HIV PrEP & STI PrEP
-Increasing PrEP Use for People who use Injection Drugs
DPH is also collaborating with several community-based organizations to provide free and confidential HIV testing, PrEP counseling and resources and PrEP gear on college campuses across the state. This includes an inaugural college PrEP Block Party on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the campus of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC.
For more information about additional free testing sites, college testing events, and free webinars, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEP.
As part of PrEP Awareness Week, free and confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing will be offered Sept. 26 at most local health departments. Counseling will also be available. Appointments can be scheduled at a local health department by calling DPH’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. To find a testing location nearest you, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEP.
While PrEP Awareness Week is an opportunity for free testing, DPH 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. DHEC health departments offer this routine testing daily. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432.
Visit the DPH Public Health Clinics webpage and review the services offered at each location to find a clinic near you that offers PrEP. To find additional PrEP provider near you, visit DPH’s HIV, STD and Hepatitis Service Locator.
