On Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM, DPH will be unable to accept payments over the phone while the system is being updated.
If you need to submit a payment during this time, payments can be accepted online. Thank you for your patience.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 3, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will offer free STD/HIV testing at most local health departments on Thursday, Feb. 6.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (observed Feb. 7) is an annual observance that highlights the progress in HIV prevention and care among Black and African American people. It also serves as a reminder to those living with HIV to start, continue, stay in, or return to treatment.
“African Americans represent 27% of South Carolina's total population, but account for 63% of the state’s population reported to be living with diagnosed HIV,” said Ali Mansaray, Director of the STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section. “This reflects a deeply disproportionate burden.
“Furthermore, 52% of those newly diagnosed with HIV are African American. It is essential to promote testing and prevention efforts to reach those who have not yet been tested and remain unaware of their HIV status.”
DPH continues to promote the goal of “Ending the Epidemics” in South Carolina. This initiative focuses on reducing the number of new HIV, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and hepatitis C infections; linking people with these health conditions to care; increasing suppression of the HIV virus with medication for those living with HIV/AIDS; and reemphasizing prevention.
As the fight to end HIV continues, it is important that everyone – individuals, families, agencies and communities – work together to make the greatest impact possible to reduce stigma, promote testing and take other actions that support the effort.
In conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, DPH encourages South Carolinians to get tested to learn their status. Most local health departments will be offering free HIV and STD testing on Thursday, February 6. You can find testing locations near you using DPH's online service locator at HIV, STD and Hepatitis Service Locator. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat.
For more information about STDs and locations that provide screenings throughout the year, call DPH’s HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437) or visit DPH’s website at dph.sc.gov/stdhiv.
To learn more about HIV and AIDS, visit the DPH website.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jun. 3, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of several tips to help prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas while enjoying time outside this summer.
There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, but fortunately not all of them bite people. Often, mosquitoes are simply a nuisance, but some species can pose serious health risks to people and animals by spreading disease.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 27, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health joins the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, through its Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS), in recognizing a predicted decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States and South Carolina in 2024. This encouraging trend is based on new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to spotlight the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week. Every day, EMS professionals help save lives and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of their communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2025