DHEC provides services to prevent the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's) and HIV infection, to reduce associated illness
and death, and to provide care and support resources for persons with HIV disease.
This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all
audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or
by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.
If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials,
please exit this website.
DHEC’s STD and HIV Services
STD/HIV Prevention for Communities
- The SC HIV Planning Council works with SC DHEC to develop a comprehensive HIV prevention and care plan for the state.
- S.C. HIV Prevention Contractors and DHEC health educators provide community-based prevention services to high-risk populations.
- The S.C. AIDS/STD Hotline 1-800-322-AIDS (2437) is a statewide toll-free service to answer questions pertaining to STDs and HIV/AIDS, and South Carolina resources for prevention and care services.
- SHARING (Statewide HIV/AIDS Resources and Information Network Guide) is a guide to available HIV prevention, care, and supportive services. SHARING is available through the AIDS/STD Hotline 1-800-322-AIDS, or by clicking on SHARING.
- Technical assistance and training activities are available to state STD/HIV providers in order to improve the skills of those who offer such services. This is accomplished through collaboration with other agencies (e.g., American Red Cross) in coordinating training events, as well as directly providing workshops and other training opportunities for S.C. DHEC staff and community organizations.
- STD Diagnosis and Treatment: County health departments provide testing, diagnosis, treatment, and educational services for individuals requesting such services and those who have had contact with an STD-infected individual. They also offer immunizations and family planning services.
- HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Services are provided by DHEC's health departments, HIV prevention contractors and community partners (pdf). Counseling includes assisting clients assess their risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, and helping them develop a plan with realistic steps to reduce their risk for HIV and other STDs. Testing services include conventional blood tests, rapid tests (same-day tests), or OraSure (oral fluid-based) testing methods. Rapid testing is available in several areas of the state upon specific request; persons should contact each health department or community organization listed to see if rapid testing is available. Persons interested in testing should also call a site first to find out if an appointment is necessary. Persons who test positive for HIV infection may also receive other HIV-related tests, syphilis, Hepatitis C and TB skin testing. Referral services include linking persons who test positive to medical care, treatment, support and prevention services as appropriate for the individual client. Most organizations listed provide services on-site, in clinics, as well as in a variety of non-clinical, community-based settings. Based on a person's specific needs, health department staff may provide services in settings such as homes, or other agreed upon, confidential areas.
- Mobile screening services through DHEC’s van increase access to STD/HIV screening by offering such services in communities with a high prevalence of syphilis and/or HIV.
- Partner Counseling and Referral Services assists clients in locating and notifying partners of possible HIV and syphilis exposure and assist partners in accessing counseling, testing, and other support services.
- The Syphilis Elimination Project implements targeted screening, outbreak response strategies, behavioral interventions and community involvement to prevent syphilis infection and eliminate the disease by 2005.
- Perinatal HIV Prevention focuses on training and education resources to local prevention and prenatal providers. Prevention case management services are provided in the Midlands and Charleston area for high-risk pregnant HIV+ women.
- Infertility Prevention initiatives provide cost-effective screening and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea for all sexually active young women attending health department family planning and STD clinics.
HIV Care and Support for Communities
- South Carolina Ryan White Part B Services: Eleven local care service providers providing services to persons with HIV disease and their families with no other ability to pay, including primary and dental care, medications, case management, and supportive services. Information on the state of South Carolina's profile can be found at HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) Web site of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Follow this link to our project sponsor's information brochure "Now That You Know..." (pdf). Follow this link to the TARGET Center: Central Source for Ryan White Technical Assistance.
- 2006/2007 Technical Assistance Plan (pdf) for HIV care and supportive services (including grievance policy).
- The State AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides drugs for eligible individuals to treat HIV disease and/or to prevent the serious deterioration of health arising from HIV disease.
- The Children’s AIDS Care System (Ryan White Part D Program) provides linkages and case management services necessary to facilitate the care, treatment, and prevention of HIV among both infected and affected women, children, and families in South Carolina.
- Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) provides tenant based rental assistance; short-term rent, mortgage, utility payments; and supportive services for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families who are at risk for becoming homeless.
Bureau of Disease Control
- STD/HIV Surveillance tracks HIV/AIDS and other STDs across the state. The data are used to plan and implement prevention and care programs for communities and persons most at-risk for STD and HIV infection. For the latest HIV/AIDS/STD surveillance reports, click Surveillance Reports.