Palmetto Community Care

Our on-site medical team provides comprehensive, compassionate care for people living with HIV — from your first appointment to long-term management. We work with you to build a treatment plan that fits your life, not the other way around.

Our outcomes speak for themselves: 95% of our clients achieve viral suppression. That’s not luck — that’s 34 years of dedicated, relationship-based care.

What’s included:

• HIV primary care and medication management
• Lab work and CD4/viral load monitoring
• Treatment adherence support
• Coordination with specialists

Truesdale Medical Center is PCC’s full-service medical clinic, centrally located on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Accepting new patients, Truesdale provides compassionate, comprehensive care delivered by an experienced team of healthcare professionals — in a place where you can comfortably be yourself.

Services available at Truesdale include:

• Primary care and chronic disease management
• HIV medical care and treatment
• Mental health care
• PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP services
• Telehealth appointments
• LGBTQ+ inclusive and gender-affirming care

Avita Pharmacy is proud to partner with Palmetto Community Care to provide community-focused specialty pharmacy care. Working together, both organizations can achieve their missions by providing the best possible care to those affected by or living with complex health conditions. 

Living with chronic illness — or facing the stress of navigating healthcare without enough support — takes a real toll. Our mental health and substance abuse services offer counseling, crisis support, and referrals to help you care for the whole you.

Side effects of some HIV treatments can cause dental problems, and those with HIV may find themselves at a higher risk for other oral health ailments. We have a portfolio of dental specialists who can work with you to ensure your dental health is addressed when necessary.

Free, confidential HIV and STI testing is available — no appointment necessary for walk-in testing events. Results are delivered with care, and our team is here to talk through next steps, whatever your result.

Testing Hours

• Monday – 7:30am – 3:30pm
• Tuesday – 7:30am – 3:30pm
• Wednesday – 7:30am – 3:30pm
• Thursday – 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Friday – 7:30am – 12:00pm

Testing options include:

• In-Office rapid HIV testing (results in 20 minutes)
• In-Office STI screening
• At-home testing resources
• Mobile testing events throughout the community

Preventing HIV and STIs looks different for everyone. Whether you’re focused on protecting yourself, supporting a partner, or living with HIV and want to keep others safe — there are real, effective options available to you. From barrier methods and regular testing to powerful medications like PrEP and PEP, prevention is personal. We’ll meet you where you are.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV by up to 99%. If you’re HIV-negative and want to stay that way, PrEP may be right for you. Our team can walk you through whether it’s a good fit, help you access it, and support you through the process.

TelePrEP — PrEP by Telehealth

Can’t make it in? TelePrEP brings PrEP care directly to you through secure video appointments. No call centers. No out-of-state strangers. Just people who know and care about the Charleston community — available from wherever you are.

TelePrEP serves residents of the Charleston tri-county area and beyond.

If you’ve had a possible HIV or STI exposure in the last 72 hours, post-exposure medications can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Time matters — contact us right away.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medication taken after a possible HIV exposure. It must be started within 72 hours to be effective.

DoxyPEP is a single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex that can reduce the risk of certain STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Our team can help you determine if DoxyPEP is right for you.

Free condoms are available at our office five days a week — no appointment and no HIV test required. Just stop by during normal business hours and ask at the front desk.

We carry a full range of options, including latex-free, extra-large, snug, and female condoms, along with free water- and silicone-based lubricant. Condoms are also always available during any testing session.

Our case managers work alongside your care team to help you navigate the healthcare system, connect you with resources, and remove the barriers that get in the way of staying healthy. Whether that’s insurance paperwork, medication assistance, or simply having someone in your corner — we’re here.

What case management can help with:

• Benefits enrollment and insurance navigation
• Medication assistance programs (Ryan White, ADAP)
• Coordination between providers
• Setting and tracking personal health goals

Stable housing is healthcare. Our team can connect you with emergency housing assistance, rental support programs, and referrals to community housing resources for eligible clients.

Palmetto Community Care has the necessary links to insurance organizations to ensure you can access medical assistance and maintain your health and well-being. Our team will lead you through the entire process to ensure your medical coverage is prioritized.

Getting to appointments shouldn’t be a barrier to care. We offer transportation assistance for eligible clients to help you make it to your medical appointments, lab visits, and more.

Our on-site pantry provides food and hygiene items to clients in need. Because you can’t focus on your health when the basics aren’t covered.

We can connect clients with legal support services, including help with benefits disputes, discrimination issues, and other legal challenges that affect your health and wellbeing.

Learning that you have HIV will impact and change your life.

We believe no one living with HIV or AIDS should go without medical care, everyday resources, and emotional support.

In the days, weeks, months, and years after you learn of your HIV-positive status, it is expected that you will experience all kinds of emotions, including anger, shock, sadness, or even denial, in some cases. You may also struggle with depression. Palmetto Community Care is here so you don’t have to experience these emotions alone. Let us support you on your journey.