South Carolina engages the fight v. HIV and opioid use

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) welcomed United States Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams and other public health leaders to address statewide community health issues, with a focus on HIV and opioid use. During the Surgeon General’s visit to DHEC’s Lowcountry Public Health Clinic in Charleston, DHEC Director Rick Toomey and Lowcountry Public Health Director R. Taylor Lee joined several public health partners in discussing South Carolina’s ongoing efforts to combat the HIV epidemic as part of the “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” initiative. South Carolina was selected earlier this year to be part of this new strategy to end the national HIV epidemic by 2030. “The fight against HIV is an issue that, like so many other public health issues, must be addressed through partnerships at the local, state, and national levels,” said DHEC Director Rick Toomey. “Having the support of the Surgeon General, state public health experts, and local leaders positions our state to make great strides in our shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic.” “I believe we have the right data, the right tools, and the right leadership to accomplish this historic goal of ending the HIV epidemic in America,” said Dr. Adams. “We are at a pivotal point in our collective efforts to end the spread of HIV in America and we must use a whole-of-society approach in our response. I was glad to learn more about the efforts taking place in Charleston and across the Palmetto State, and look forward to continuing to work together in achieving our shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic.”