Our Vision
Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative, in partnership with the University of South Carolina, is committed to expanding access to sexual health education, prevention, and confidential testing throughout our campus and surrounding communities. Together, we strive to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and certification opportunities needed to become advocates for public health while improving access to compassionate, stigma-free care.
HIV in South Carolina:
Why Our Mission Matters
HIV continues to impact communities across South Carolina, making prevention, education, and early diagnosis more important than ever.
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Approximately 3,600 people are living with HIV in the Columbia area.
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An estimated 6,000–7,000 South Carolinians are living with HIV but do not know their status.
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Early diagnosis and treatment help people live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission.
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Routine testing remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community.
Know Your Risk:
As A College Student
Nearly 1 in 2 new STI cases in the United States occur among people ages 15–24, the traditional college-age population.
Richland County, home to Columbia and the University of South Carolina, has one of the highest STI rates in the nation. A national analysis ranked Richland County 3rd among large U.S. counties for reported STI rates.
South Carolina consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections, particularly chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Many STIs have no symptoms. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, Hepatitis C, and even early syphilis can be present without noticeable signs, making routine screening essential.