Prevention

Free and confidential HIV testing, condom distribution, and HIV prevention education

Learn more about our prevention efforts in this quick Q&A with our Prevention Coordinator:

Loree Bishop, CSE
Certified Sexuality Educator

Why is HIV prevention important in our community?

South Carolina is one of the seven states prioritized by the national Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) campaign. This is due to the consistent and disproportionate impact of HIV on our state. Preventing HIV not only saves lives but also saves money for our community by preventing future costs associated with the treatment of HIV. HIV prevention also contributes to a healthier community.

So, a donation towards HIV prevention is an investment in one’s own community?

Exactly. The disproportionate impact of HIV on our state is preventable. Increasing access to prevention tools advances health equity, meaning everyone has an equal opportunity for health. Financial donations allow us to create a healthier community, which helps us all.

How does each part of Piedmont Care’s HIV prevention program help advance health equity?

The availability of free HIV testing, either in the office or with a self-administered home test, eliminates barriers such as cost and lack of transportation that may prevent people from seeking testing. Our condom distribution partners help extend our reach and increase access to free safer sex tools for our community. Education increases awareness of our services and reduces the stigma surrounding HIV and safer sex.

Prevention Partners
HIV Testing     
& Counseling

The CDC recommends everyone in the U.S. between the ages of 13-64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, as well as repeat screenings for those at higher risk.

– www.cdc.gov, June, 2022

About 1 in 8 people in the U.S. living with HIV do not know they have the virus. Knowing your HIV status puts you in control of your health and gives you powerful information to help you stay healthy.

On-Site Testing

Take charge of your health with our free and discreet rapid HIV testing services. At Piedmont Care, we prioritize your well-being by offering confidential testing in a supportive environment. Stay proactive about your health and schedule your test today.

All individuals receiving this test must receive counseling before being tested and upon receiving their test results.

Counseling includes:

  • Information on the importance of HIV testing

  • Basic HIV and AIDS knowledge assessment

  • Risk reduction plan

  • Condom/barrier demonstration

  • Next steps if preliminary positive result

  • Recommendation for follow-up testing

Where:
101 North Pine Street, Suite 200
(Pine and Main building)
Spartanburg, SC 29302

When:
Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday/Friday: 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 3pm

Cost: FREE

Type of Test: INSTI Rapid test - same day results

Test Procedure: Fingerstick

Make an Appointment:
To schedule, call (864) 582-7773.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged.

HIV Self-Testing

If you can't get to the Piedmont Care office for HIV testing, we provide an FDA-approved at-home test you can do yourself. This option is based on the CDC's advice for organizations like Piedmont Care to offer at-home testing, helping reach those most impacted by HIV.

This free self-administered home HIV oral test requires no blood and offers results in 20 minutes. People qualifying for the self-testing option will have access to a 24/7 call center and video guide to get answers quickly.

Piedmont Care will also provide:

  • Linkage to care services for people living with HIV

  • Follow-up planning and resources

  • Condoms and other HIV prevention tools

To see if you qualify to receive a free at-home HIV test kit, click here.

Read this important information to help guide you through taking your OraQuick test in a few short minutes.

Condom Distribution

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV.

– www.cdc.gov, February, 2022

Through our Condom Access Program, we provide an assortment of free condoms and other risk reduction tools at the Piedmont Care office and through more than 60 local condom distribution partners. This program promotes community health by reducing future healthcare costs associated with HIV and STIs.

For more information about becoming a condom distribution partner, please contact us.

Here are a few of our local condom distribution partners:

Access Health Spartanburg
501 Howard Street, Suite B, Spartanburg
(864) 560-0190

BB&B Barbershop
118A Cedar Springs Road, Spartanburg
(864) 494-2608

BirthMatters
501 Howard Street, Suite A., Spartanburg
(864) 621-2878

Headquarters Barbershop
358 E. Blackstock Rd. Unit G, Spartanburg
(864) 435-5115

Limestone College
1115 College Dr., Gaffney
(864) 488-8348

Phase I Barbershop
509 E. Poinsett, Spartanburg
(864) 801-1194

Phase II Barbershop
300 Union St. Suite D, Spartanburg
(864) 542-1553

ReGenesis Community Health Center
750 S. Church St., Spartanburg
(864) 852-7178
(864) 439-7760

Reggie’s Unique Cuts
755 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg
(864) 342-0504

Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center
Child & Family Services
250 Dewey Avenue, Spartanburg
(864) 585-0366

Spartanburg Methodist College
1000 Powell Mill Rd., Spartanburg
(864) 587-4277

Wofford College
429 N Church St., Spartanburg
(864) 597-4370

HIV and STI Prevention
Education    

Education plays a vital role in lowering HIV and STI transmission rates.

Piedmont Care offers informative sessions to schools, civic groups, churches, businesses, clubs, and other organizations. Each session is tailored to fit the specific needs of each group. Sessions can be conducted either at Piedmont Care or your preferred location.

We offer the following
educational     
opportunities:

HIV 101

In this short introduction to HIV and AIDS, participants will learn HIV basics, how HIV is transmitted, and the ways it can be prevented.

HIV 101 / 102

In this 2-3 hour class, participants will explore HIV transmission and prevention, and learn effective communication strategies and other ways to reduce HIV stigma.

For more information about HIV education, contact us.

(PrEP)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention