The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering free and confidential HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing in observance of PrEP Awareness Week, which runs from September 22-26, 2025. The initiative aims to raise awareness about PrEP—pre-exposure prophylaxis—a medication regimen that can prevent HIV infection in at-risk individuals.
The free testing will be available at most DPH clinics on September 30. Officials say that knowing one’s HIV status is the first critical step toward protecting both personal and public health. Residents can schedule a confidential appointment online or by calling a dedicated hotline.
In addition to the public testing, the DPH is partnering with the South Carolina AIDS Education & Training Center to provide educational resources for healthcare professionals. A series of free “Lunch & Learn” webinars will be held from noon to 1 p.m. each weekday throughout the week. The webinars will cover various topics related to HIV and PrEP, allowing healthcare providers to earn up to seven free continuing education credits.
Webinar Schedule for Healthcare Providers
- Monday: STI/HIV Screening & Prevention
- Tuesday: PrEP & Adolescents
- Wednesday: PrEP & Women
- Thursday: Injectable PrEP
- Friday: Primary Care Summit
This week-long campaign is a proactive effort by the DPH to combat the spread of HIV and other STDs by providing accessible testing and vital education for both the community and healthcare providers.
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