Sarasota, Florida (October 18, 2017) – Community AIDS Network (CAN), celebrating its 26th year serving the needs of the HIV/AIDS community in Florida, is excited to announce their expansion into South Carolina.
“South Carolina ranks 8th in the nation in the U.S. and the capital, Columbia, ranks 5th in HIV in large part due to diagnoses among specific young adult populations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” stated Richard E. Carlisle, CAN president and CEO. “South Carolina not only maintains a concerning HIV epidemic, but Richland County (home of Columbia, the capital) is challenged by more than a thousand citizens who know their HIV positive status, but remain out of treatment and support. We are determined to enhance services that attract them back to care and promote better health and well-being throughout Columbia, South Carolina.”
The new clinic will be housed at 1813 Laurel Street in Columbia, SC, within the newly named Joseph H. Neal (JHN) Wellness Center (formally the South Carolina HIV AIDS Council). “The CAN clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will provide care and services for those living with HIV, hepatitis C, STDs and other diseases,” said Richard E. Carlisle.
“We are thrilled to join forces with CAN as this innovative partnership has been a long-term vision of the Council since our creation 23 years ago,” according to Dr. Bambi Gaddist, Executive Director of the JHN Wellness Center. “Together, both groups plan to enhance HIV prevention efforts while advancing the provision of high quality and culturally sensitive services throughout the Columbia area. With the addition of the Comprehensive Care Clinic, the JHN Wellness Center will truly see its dream come true as a ‘one stop shop’ for quality medical care that dramatically breaks down barriers to service.”
The Columbia, SC location will offer medical care including HIV and hepatitis C services, HIV testing and screening for other sexually transmitted infections, health education, risk reduction prevention education, behavioral health, medical case management, support groups, LGBT programs and eventually psychiatric support and trans health services.
For scheduling or to find out more information about the Columbia, South Carolina clinic, please call (803) 849-8430.