COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– In observance of PrEP Awareness Week, SCDPH is offering free STD, HIV testing. The department will have educational materials and free HIV testing, including visits to college campuses for its seventh annual PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Awareness Week. DPH’s statewide  PrEP Awareness Week initiative aims to increase awareness among providers and the community regarding PrEP. PrEP is a pill or injection that can help significantly decrease HIV infection if someone is exposed to the virus. As part of PrEP Awareness Week, free and confidential sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV testing will be offered Tuesday, Sept. 29 at most local health departments. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. DPH is also collaborating with several local community-based organizations to provide free and confidential HIV testing, PrEP counseling and resources, and PrEP gear on college campuses during the month of September, according to health officials. “PrEP Awareness Week aims to increase awareness about HIV testing and prevention,” says Ali Mansary, director of DPH’s STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section. “We encourage South Carolinians to take advantage of our free testing events, as knowing your status is the first step toward protecting your health and preventing HIV.” For more information about additional free testing sites and college testing locations, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEPweek. 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/std. Categories: Local News, State Tags: HIV, HIV testing, PrEP, PrEP Awareness Week, SC Department of Public Health, South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), STD testing, STDs ...read more read less