Health

Free HIV Testing, At-Home Kits Available To Berkeley County Residents

by The Berkeley Observer
CREDIT: Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is offering free HIV and STD testing to Berkeley County residents in recognition of National HIV Testing Day, which is June 27. The screenings are also available to residents statewide.

“Most people in the early stages of HIV infection have no symptoms, which makes routine testing a pivotal step in our fight against the spread of these diseases,” said Ali Mansaray, director of DHEC’s STD/HIV and Viral Hepatitis Division. “Early diagnosis can link people to services that will help them stay healthy longer, benefit most from treatment, reduce costly hospital visits and prevent transmission to others.”  

As of Dec. 31, 2021, there are more than 19,000 South Carolina residents living with diagnosed HIV infection, including AIDS. Between 2020 and 2021, almost 1,500 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in South Carolina. Of those newly diagnosed, 58 percent were African American, 25 percent were white and 9 percent were Hispanic.   


To help make HIV and STD testing easy and convenient, free HIV and STD testing is being offered at many DHEC health departments on Tuesday, June 27 for National HIV Testing Day. In Berkeley County, residents may visit:

  • 106 Westview Drive, Boulevard Goose Creek, SC 29445
  • TIMES: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • PHONE: To make an appointment, call 855-472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Ask about extended or weekend hours.
  • NOTE: Appointments are encouraged.

If you are over the age of 17 and prefer the convenience and privacy of in-home testing, you can test yourself for HIV and find out your status in as little as 20 minutes. To order free test kits, visit the DHEC website. For any questions related to this program or if you need assistance with performing the home test, email [email protected] to schedule a Telehealth visit or call 1-800-322-2437. 

For more information about STDs and locations that provide screenings throughout the year, call DHEC’s STD/HIV Hotline at 1-800-322-2437 or visit DHEC’s website at www.scdhec.gov/stdhiv.

 

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