CHIRP is focused on raising awareness and conducting research related to health inequities, including those of HIV and STDs, within South Carolina.
Health inequities are pervasive in South Carolina. Among the more than 15,000 South Carolina men and women living with HIV in 2011, 68% and 81%, respectively, were African American. Of the almost 800 HIV cases diagnosed in South Carolina in 2011, 62% occurred among men who have sex with men. Also in 2011, African American men and women were ten and six times more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia than white men and women, respectively. We are determined to raise awareness of health inequities, particularly those related to HIV and STDs, through the Charleston Health Inequities Reduction Program (CHIRP). Throughout the year, CHIRP conducts several fundraising events in the Charleston area to focus attention on health inequities and to raise funds for CHIRP's research, awareness, and education efforts. We are striving for health equity in the Lowcountry.
CHIRP is a nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of raising money for students to participate in a student research study program during the summer break. CHIRP is also designed to help raise awareness about health inequities within South Carolina. Our goal is to raise money for students to do research on the health inequities that are present in our state, such as HIV/AIDS, and to educate the community to help bring about equality, awareness, and education. We provide these benefits of student research, awareness, and education through fundraising activities in the community. Our mission is to strive for health equity in the Lowcountry.
