On Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, Palmetto Community Care will be working to promote National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day for the entire Lowcountry community. The theme for this day is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.” This is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people and increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities.
According to DHEC’s most recent Epidemiologic Profile, 62% of people living with HIV/AIDS identify as African American, whereas only 26% of the state’s population identifies as African American. “On National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of getting tested, particularly among the Black community. HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately affect Black individuals, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, education, and testing,” says Hercules Brown, Prevention Program Manager at Palmetto Community Care.
Sadly, 25% of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina did not engage in or receive medical care in 2022. Furthermore, of those newly diagnosed, only 67% of those were linked to medical care within one month, leaving 33% of those newly diagnosed not linked to essential medical care. “Getting tested is a critical step in protecting oneself and the community from the spread of HIV/AIDS. It allows for early detection, essential for accessing treatment and care. By knowing their status, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and take necessary steps to prevent transmission,” according to Brown.
This is why addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is vital. By encouraging testing within the Black community, promoting open conversations, and providing non-judgmental support, we can create an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking testing and accessing the necessary resources.
Brown continues, “Testing is not only about personal health but also about collective well-being. By getting tested, we contribute to the overall effort of reducing new HIV/AIDS infections and achieving health equity among Black individuals. Let us come together to raise awareness, encourage testing, and support each other in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Palmetto Community Care will offer free HIV/STI testing on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in partnership with Charleston Black Pride, offering gift cards to those who get tested.
Date: 2/7/20
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: 5064 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406
Details: Palmetto Community Care offers free HIV testing (STI testing not included) for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The first 33 African-American individuals who undergo testing on this day will receive a $15 gift card. Additionally, at the end of the day, everyone who receives a test will be entered into a raffle to win either a $75 or $100 gift card.
