Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health   COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)–  The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering free HIV testing during PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Awareness Week. DPH is hosting the annual week also by hosting PrEP educational webinars for providers and other activities, including visits to college campuses. This annual statewide initiative aims to increase awareness among providers and the community regarding PrEP, a pill or injectable that can help significantly decrease HIV transmission if someone is exposed to the HIV virus. “This is a great opportunity to bring more attention to PrEP’s key role in the fight against the spread of HIV,” said Tia Robinson, DPH’s PrEP program manager. During the week of Sept. 23 through Sept. 27, DPH is partnering with the South Carolina AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) to offer webinars to providers, who can earn up to seven free continuing education credits (CME, CNE, Pharmacy, and Social Work) by attending. The webinars will be held Monday through Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. Additionally, DPH and the AETC will host an in-person PrEP Symposium on Friday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to DPH.   This year’s topics will include: Integrating PrEP Screening with the Well Woman Visit Selecting the Right PrEP Medication HIV PrEP & STI PrEP Increasing PrEP Use for People who use Injection Drugs   DPH is also collaborating with several community-based organizations to provide free and confidential HIV testing, PrEP counseling and resources and PrEP gear on college campuses across the state. This includes an inaugural college PrEP Block Party on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Claflin University’s campus. As part of PrEP Awareness Week, free and confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing will be offered Sept. 26 at most local health departments. DPH said counseling will also be available, and appointments can be scheduled at a local health department by calling DPH’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. To find a testing location nearest you, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEP. For more information about additional free testing sites, college testing events, and free webinars, visit dph.sc.gov/PrEP. Categories: Local News, State Tags: HIV testing, South Carolina