HIV Care & Resources in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

HIV care has come a long way — and today, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, empowered lives. But access to stigma-free, affirming healthcare remains uneven across South Carolina, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and rural communities.

SC Equality is committed to connecting you with trusted, reliable, and inclusive resources for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support. Whether you’re seeking care for yourself or looking for resources to support someone you love, the organizations and clinics below provide essential services across the state.

Understanding HIV Today: Key Facts

Before exploring statewide resources, here are a few important truths:

1. HIV is treatable.

With proper care and medication, individuals with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

2. U = U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

People who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually.

3. PrEP and PEP prevent HIV.

• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill or injection that prevents HIV.

• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure.

4. Stigma remains a barrier.

In South Carolina, stigma and misinformation still prevent people from seeking care. Access to affirming, LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare is essential.

HIV Testing, Treatment, and Support in South Carolina

Below are trusted, accessible, LGBTQ-affirming resources across the state.

1. PASOS – Formerly SC HIV/AIDS Council / PALSS (Columbia)

PASOS provides comprehensive HIV services, including:

• Rapid testing

• Case management

• Prevention education

• PrEP and PEP navigation

• Support for people living with HIV

Website: https://www.scpasos.org

2. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) – Columbia Healthcare Center

AHF offers free and low-cost HIV services:

• HIV and STI testing

• PrEP/PEP services

• Medical care and ongoing treatment

• Pharmacy services

Website: https://www.aidshealth.org

3. MUSC Infectious Diseases Clinic (Charleston)

MUSC provides high-quality medical care and long-term HIV support, including:

• HIV testing and diagnosis

• Antiretroviral therapy

• PrEP and PEP access

• Gender-affirming healthcare (in select clinics)

Website: https://muschealth.org/medical-services/infectious-disease

4. Prisma Health Infectious Disease Clinics (Columbia, Greenville, Upstate)

Prisma Health offers statewide access to HIV care:

• Testing and prevention services

• Treatment and medical management

• Access to PrEP and counseling

• Wraparound care through case managers and clinical teams

Website: https://prismahealth.org/services/infectious-disease

5. SC DHEC – HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Prevention

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control provides:

• Free or low-cost HIV testing

• Mobile testing events

• PrEP resources

• Statewide prevention and education services

• HIV case management in multiple regions

Website: https://dhec.sc.gov/health/diseases-conditions/hivaids

Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals Living With HIV

Many LGBTQ+ South Carolinians rely on community-led organizations for additional support, connection, and advocacy.

Harriet Hancock LGBT Center (Columbia)

• Support groups

• Mental health referrals

• Community connectionWebsite: https://www.harriethancockcenter.org

Transgender Awareness Alliance (Statewide)

• Support for trans and gender-expansive individuals navigating healthcareWebsite: https://www.taagg.org

PFLAG (Various Chapters)

• Support for families of LGBTQ+ individuals, including those living with HIVWebsite: https://pflag.org

Why HIV Care Matters for LGBTQ+ Advocacy

HIV and LGBTQ+ rights have always been deeply linked.

In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, queer communities and activists cared for one another when broader systems would not. Because of their courage, we now have:

• life-saving treatments

• U=U science

• prevention medications

• a global community committed to ending HIV

But the fight isn’t over.

Access to care in South Carolina still varies widely.Many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination in medical settings.Rural communities remain underserved.Stigma continues to silence people who need support most.

SC Equality remains committed to advocacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers people living with HIV — because equality includes health, dignity, and care for all.

If You Need Help

If you or someone you know needs support navigating HIV testing, treatment, PrEP/PEP, or affirming healthcare, reach out to us at info@scequality.org.We will help connect you to the right resources.