About Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative

The Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative (JHN) is a South Carolina nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity by providing free, confidential, and inclusive healthcare services to communities across the state. Through testing, education, prevention, treatment, and linkage to care, JHN works to reduce barriers to healthcare and ensure that individuals have access to the resources they need to live healthier lives.

JHN provides free services including HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis testing, PrEP navigation, sexual health education, case management, and connections to ongoing medical care. By partnering with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and local agencies, JHN helps reduce stigma surrounding sexual health while expanding access to compassionate, judgment-free care.

Who Was Joseph H. Neal?

Representative Joseph H. Neal was a respected South Carolina legislator, minister, and community leader whose life was defined by faith, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Throughout his career, he championed equality, opportunity, and the well-being of communities across South Carolina.

Following the tragic 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, Rep. Neal delivered a powerful speech before the South Carolina House of Representatives, urging his colleagues to choose grace, compassion, and healing as they considered removing the Confederate flag from the State House grounds. Drawing on his own family's history and emphasizing the importance of truth, respect, and unity, he called for action that would help move the state forward. The following day, the Confederate flag was removed.

Today, the Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative honors his legacy by extending that same spirit of compassion through equitable, accessible healthcare. Inspired by Rep. Neal's belief in serving others with dignity and grace, the organization works to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure that every individual has access to quality care regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our Mission

The Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. Through education, prevention, testing, treatment, and strong community partnerships, JHN empowers individuals to make informed health decisions while working to eliminate health disparities throughout South Carolina. Every program is rooted in dignity, compassion, and the belief that healthier communities begin with accessible, equitable care.

What We Do

The Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative offers a wide range of free and confidential services, including:

HIV Testing
Hepatitis C Testing
Syphilis Testing
PrEP Navigation and Education
Linkage to Medical Care
Case Management
Sexual Health Education
Community Outreach and Prevention Programs

Why Expand to Campus?

Young adults account for a significant portion of new sexually transmitted infections, yet many college students delay testing because of stigma, cost, or a lack of awareness about available resources. By expanding the mission of the Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative to the University of South Carolina through our student organization, we are making sexual health education and prevention more accessible to students where they live, learn, and connect.

Through this partnership, students have the opportunity to:

Access free, confidential sexual health education and prevention resources.
Learn about HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and prevention strategies such as PrEP.
Participate in campus testing and outreach events.
Become certified to assist with community testing initiatives alongside trained healthcare professionals.
Develop valuable clinical, public health, leadership, and volunteer experience while serving communities across South Carolina.

Together, we are creating a healthier campus by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and empowering the next generation of public health leaders.

Join the Mission

The Joseph H. Neal Peer Intimate Health Ambassadors give students the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both on campus and throughout the Columbia community. Whether your interests are in medicine, nursing, public health, social work, research, education, or simply serving others, there is a place for you in our organization.

Together with the Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative, we are building a future where every student has access to accurate information, compassionate care, and the confidence to take charge of their health while advocating for

healthier communities across South Carolina.