Health Department Launches Free Testing Day for All Communities
October 02, 2024 | Charleston City, Charleston County, South Carolina
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In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted upcoming initiatives aimed at promoting public health, particularly in the context of HIV, STIs, and hepatitis C awareness. A key focus was the upcoming free testing day scheduled for October 15, which coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month. This event will offer free HIV, STI, and hepatitis C testing across various health departments, encouraging individuals of all races and ethnicities to participate.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) is also expanding its services by providing at-home testing supplies free of charge, which can be ordered through their website. Additionally, the DPH has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to offer telehealth services for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment for HIV. This initiative aims to reduce stigma surrounding HIV by promoting the message that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus.
Efforts to combat hepatitis C were also discussed, with a focus on increasing the number of primary care providers equipped to treat the disease, which is curable. The DPH is hosting a telehealth webinar to support these providers.
The meeting also addressed ongoing public health campaigns, including vaccination promotions for MPOX and HPV, and the introduction of DoxyPath, an initiative providing doxycycline to individuals at higher risk for STIs. Recent testing events at local colleges, including the College of Charleston and The Citadel, resulted in nearly 200 STI tests conducted, alongside HIV testing.
In addition to these health initiatives, the DPH is involved in community events such as bridal fairs and pride celebrations, aiming to foster inclusivity and awareness. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of World AIDS Day, which serves as a time to honor those lost to the disease and celebrate advancements in treatment and prevention.
For those interested in participating in the free testing day or learning more about the DPH's initiatives, further information is available through their website.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) is also expanding its services by providing at-home testing supplies free of charge, which can be ordered through their website. Additionally, the DPH has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to offer telehealth services for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment for HIV. This initiative aims to reduce stigma surrounding HIV by promoting the message that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus.
Efforts to combat hepatitis C were also discussed, with a focus on increasing the number of primary care providers equipped to treat the disease, which is curable. The DPH is hosting a telehealth webinar to support these providers.
The meeting also addressed ongoing public health campaigns, including vaccination promotions for MPOX and HPV, and the introduction of DoxyPath, an initiative providing doxycycline to individuals at higher risk for STIs. Recent testing events at local colleges, including the College of Charleston and The Citadel, resulted in nearly 200 STI tests conducted, alongside HIV testing.
In addition to these health initiatives, the DPH is involved in community events such as bridal fairs and pride celebrations, aiming to foster inclusivity and awareness. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of World AIDS Day, which serves as a time to honor those lost to the disease and celebrate advancements in treatment and prevention.
For those interested in participating in the free testing day or learning more about the DPH's initiatives, further information is available through their website.
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