DPH Observes National HIV Testing Day with Free Testing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 23, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging South Carolinians to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) so they know their status, can protect their health, and prevent diseases from spreading to others.
As of Dec. 31, 2023, there are more than 20,000 South Carolina residents living with diagnosed HIV infection, including AIDS. For the two-year period of 2022-2023 approximately 1,500 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in South Carolina. Of those newly diagnosed, 55% were African American, 25% were white and 13% were Hispanic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 16% of people with HIV in South Carolina do not know their HIV status. This estimate highlights the importance of every person getting an HIV test and knowing their HIV status.
“As we recognize National HIV Testing Day, we are reminded that knowing your HIV status is a powerful step toward protecting your health and the health of our communities,” said Ali Mansaray, HIV/STD Section Director. “In South Carolina, we continue to see the impact of HIV across the entire state, and testing remains one of our strongest tools in fighting this epidemic. Early diagnosis leads to better health outcomes and helps stop the spread of HIV. I encourage everyone in South Carolina to get tested, know your status, and talk openly about HIV. Together, we can reduce stigma, increase awareness, and build a healthier future for all.”
To help make HIV and STD testing easy and convenient, free HIV and STD testing is being offered at many DPH health departments Thursday, June 26, the day before the national observance. Appointments are encouraged. Please call 1-855-472-3432 to schedule your appointment.
For more information about STDs and locations that provide screenings year-round, call DPH’s STD/HIV Hotline at 1-800-322-2437 or visit DPH’s HIV/AIDS webpage.
For questions related to DPH’s STD/HIV program or if you need assistance with performing the Home Test, email SCHomeTestingProgram@dph.sc.gov or call 1-800-322-2437 to schedule a Telehealth visit.
###
Tags
DPH Observes National HIV Testing Day with Free Testing
View AllDPH Observes National HIV Testing Day with Free Testing
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 23, 2025
-
DPH Observes World Sickle Cell Day
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 19, 2025COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners in celebrating the 2025 theme of “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.”
-
DPH Encourages Measures to Prevent Skin Cancer During Summer
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 12, 2025COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians to take extra precautions to help prevent skin cancer while enjoying the outdoors this summer and beyond.
Every time you go outside your skin is exposed to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. This exposure increases your risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer can affect people at any age, and one in five people in the United States develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
-
DPH Emphasizes Water, Swimming Safety for the Summer
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 10, 2025COLUMBIA, S.C. – As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents about the importance of practicing water and swimming safety.
Each year, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the United States. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, 79 South Carolinians died because of unintentional drowning.