Saturday, February 7, 2026, marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of HIV on Black communities and encouraging education, testing, and access to care. Palmetto Community Care joins organizations across the country in recognizing the day by promoting HIV testing and stigma reduction throughout the Lowcountry.
This year’s theme, “Breaking Stigma: Get Real, Get Informed, Get Tested,” highlights the importance of honest conversations and routine HIV testing as essential tools in addressing HIV disparities and improving health outcomes.
According to the most recent South Carolina Department of Public Health Epidemiologic Profile, 62% of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina identify as African American, despite Black individuals representing only 26% of the state’s population. These disparities underscore the continued need for culturally responsive education, prevention efforts, and accessible medical care.
State data also indicate that 25% of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina are not receiving medical care, and only 67% of newly diagnosed individuals are linked to care within one month. Early HIV testing remains a critical first step in connecting individuals to treatment, reducing transmission, and supporting long-term health.
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Stigma continues to be one of the most significant barriers to HIV testing and care. Palmetto Community Care works to address this barrier by offering nonjudgmental, confidential services and meeting people where they are—both in clinical settings and community spaces.
In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Palmetto Community Care will provide free HIV testing and prevention education on February 7, including participation in a community event hosted by Charleston Black Pride, where on-site testing and gift cards will be available to individuals who choose to get tested.
Palmetto Community Care encourages community members to take action by learning the facts, challenging stigma, and knowing their HIV status. Get real. Get informed. Get tested.