South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Fact Sheets
• Resource Directory
• HIV/AIDS Care and Support
• STD/HIV Prevention
• Viral Hepatitis Prevention
• Information for Health Care Providers
• Information for the Public
• South Carolina Plans
• Surveillance Reports (HIV/AIDS/STD)
• Links/Resources

DHEC provides services to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 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, HIV and Adult Viral Hepatitis Services

STD/HIV Prevention

• STD diagnosis and treatment: County public health departments provide testing, diagnosis, treatment, and educational services for individuals requesting such services and those who have had contact with a person with an STD. 
• HIV testing services are provided by DHEC's county public health departments and community STD/HIV prevention partners.
• SHARING (Statewide HIV/AIDS Resources and Information Network Guide) is a guide to available STD/HIV prevention, care, and supportive services. 
• STD/HIV prevention partners provide community-based prevention services to high-risk persons.
• The S.C. AIDS/STD Hotline 1-800-322-AIDS (2437) is a statewide toll-free service to answer questions about HIV/AIDS, other STDs and viral hepatitis. It is one of the STD/HIV public information services.
• Technical assistance and training activities are available to state STD/HIV/viral hepatitis providers in order to improve the skills of those who offer such services. 
• The SC HIV Planning Council works with S.C. DHEC to develop a comprehensive HIV prevention and care plan for the state.
• Partner Services assist 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.
• Perinatal HIV prevention focuses on education resources to local prevention and prenatal providers. Prevention case management services are provided in the Midlands area by USC School of Medicine for pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS.

Viral Hepatitis Prevention

• The Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator provides hepatitis-related educational resources and training to providers of services to persons at increased risk for hepatitis B and C. 

HIV Care and Support

• South Carolina Ryan White Part B Services:  Eleven local care service providers serve persons with HIV disease who have no other ability to pay.  Services include medical and dental care, medications, case management, and supportive services. Information about the Ryan White Programs can be found on the 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.
• 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.