Support and Scale Up of HIV Prevention Services in Sexual Health Clinics - Project Title: South Carolina’s Support and Scale Up of HIV Prevention Services in Sexual Health Clinics Applicant Organization Name: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Address: 2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Project Director Name: Ali Mansaray, Director STD/HIV/Viral Hepatitis Division, Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax): 803-898-0625, 803-898-0573 Email Address: mansarab@dhec.sc.gov Background: In the United States southern states account for over 50% of new HIV infections annually. South Carolina (SC) faces disparities in HIV and has a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), ranking fifth in chlamydia infections in 2021. Moreover, SC experiences low uptake of proven HIV prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Purpose: This proposal aims to strengthen HIV prevention services in South Carolina, focusing on enhancing access to HIV/STI testing and PrEP services, improving linkage to care, and reducing stigma. The proposal includes expanding access to comprehensive preventive services, providing culturally informed provider training, employing evidence-based approaches, and increasing HIV awareness and prevention through marketing. These strategies will not only elevate access to HIV prevention in sexual health clinics but also reduce new HIV and STI infections, aligning with South Carolina's goal to End the HIV Epidemic by 2030. Approach: The approach involves conducting a needs assessment, increasing community engagement, enhancing outreach and education, expanding testing services, integrating STI screening and treatment, increasing PrEP awareness, facilitating telehealth services, building capacity, and implementing a monitoring and evaluation process. Outcomes: This proposal seeks long-term outcomes, including increased delivery and uptake of stigma-free sexual health services, quality comprehensive sexual health services, improved HIV viral suppression among People with HIV (PWH), decreased new HIV and STI infections, and reduced racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation disparities. Funding: The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is seeking $1,000,000 in funding to implement activities aimed at scaling up HIV prevention in sexual health clinics across South Carolina.
