One Pill Can Change Your Life and Keep You HIV Negative
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – commonly known as PrEP – is used to keep people with at-risk lifestyles HIV-negative and PEP is an antiviral medication that helps prevent possible HIV infection after potentially being exposed. Palmetto Community Care’s goal is to make this program and medication free or low-cost for participants.
Everyone is at risk for HIV, and PrEP is for EVERYONE. We as a community can reduce the spread of HIV through increasing access. PrEP is more than a medication, it is a whole program and support system we offer to break down barriers when it comes to prevention.
Who qualifies for the PrEP program?
- Age: Anyone age 16 years or older
- Location: Living in Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester counties
- Risk: Anyone who is sexually active or participates in high-risk behaviors
Is PrEP free of charge?
Health insurance is a definite benefit and helps for participation, but the program includes services and inclusion for those who qualify but are uninsured. While Palmetto Community Care cannot guarantee that all uninsured PrEP program clients will be eligible, the goal is to find a way for as many people as possible to participate in this life-saving program.
Participants will be required to complete quarterly lab blood work (free or reduced cost for participants), meet with a doctor quarterly, and participate in continued adherence counseling with Palmetto Community Care prevention staff.
Find Out If PrEP is Right for You
In Person
Come by the Prevention Office located at 6296 Rivers Ave. Suite 308, for a free, confidential HIV test and to discuss PrEP with one of our prevention staff members.
Office Hours 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday
Testing Hours 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday Tuesday, and Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday, and 7:30am – 12:00pm Friday
Over the Phone
Can’t make it to our location, no problem! To participate in a quick phone screening call 843-747-8386
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.
When is PEP used?
PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles and works to prepare drugs or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.
Need Help?
Please contact Truesdale Medical Center by calling 843-376-6143
Read more about PrEP and PEP
Good health has everything to do with how well your life is going. We get that. That’s why Truesdale Medical Center is here to help patients manage everything from a pop-up illness to ongoing medical treatment. They are happy to treat you once, but we hope you’ll come back again and again, making our welcoming facility your preferred “medical home”