Updated: Sept. 4, 2026

The HIV Planning Council (HPC) is made up of 35 voting members from CDC-funded prevention programs (both directly and indirectly funded), Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act-funded care and support services programs (Parts A, B, C, and D), collaborating state agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based programs, and interested community members. Participation from people living with HIV is ensured. The bylaws mandate that at least 7 of the 35 members be people who are HIV positive.

The Council meets periodically throughout the year in Columbia. Applications for membership are sent out in the fall of each year as well as distributed at the annual S.C. HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Conference. People selected serve a two-year term. The membership of the HPC reflects, as much as possible, the demographic characteristics of the HIV epidemic in South Carolina. The following criteria are utilized to assist in the selection of members:

• Living with or affected by HIV;
• At least two years' experience providing HIV prevention and/or care services;
• Expertise in the following HIV-related program services areas: HIV clinical care, linkage to care, case management, housing, mental health, substance use prevention or treatment, counseling and testing services, partner services, comprehensive risk counseling services, and/or evidence-based health education/risk reduction programs;
• Representation from a geographical area highly impacted by HIV; and
• Representative of priority populations for targeting high-impact prevention services: people living with HIV, African American men who have sex with men, African American men who have sex with women, White men who have sex with men, African American women who have sex with men, Hispanics/Latinos, and people who inject drugs.

In addition to standing committees, the HPC also has work groups that address issues related to priority populations and emerging trends in the field of HIV prevention, care and treatment. STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section staff members provide staff support to the work groups, which report on their activities at each HPC meeting.

For more information (including but not limited to membership, meeting agendas and minutes), please visit the S.C. HIV Planning Council website or contact Felicia M. Pickering, Community Planning and Engagement Program Manager and HPC Health Department co-chair, at 803-904-2606 or via email at PickerFM@dph.sc.gov.