World AIDS Day set for Dec. 1

COLUMBIA - World AIDS Day events will be observed throughout South Carolina on Dec. 1.

"Free or low-cost rapid tests for HIV will be offered at numerous locations in Department of Health and Environmental Control's county public health departments and community based agencies on and around this special day," said Dr. Andre Rawls, director of DHEC's STD/HIV Division. "Many community-based groups will offer events and candlelight vigils to raise awareness of HIV issues and remember those who died from AIDS."

According to Rawls, about 15,000 people are living with HIV in South Carolina and DHEC estimates that 990 people are newly infected with HIV in South Carolina each year. Every county in the state has residents living with HIV.

"Most people in the early stages of HIV infection have no symptoms," Rawls said. "Early diagnosis can help us link people to services that will help them stay healthy longer, benefit most from treatments and services, reduce costly hospital visits and help prevent transmission to others."

Free HIV testing will be offered Monday, Dec. 1, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cherokee County Public Health Department by appointment (864-487-2795) and walk-in; and at Spartanburg County Public Health Department, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment (864-596-2227).