Hepatitis C

According to the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020, approximately 3.5 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. Approximately 75% were born between 1945 and 1965 and are unaware of the infection.

Substance use disorder treatment and recovery professionals have a unique role to play given the increased risk for hepatitis C transmission among people with substance use disorders, particularly among those with intravenous drug use.

Increasing Hepatitis C Knowledge for Behavioral Health and Medical Providers Training

Mid-America ATTC held a virtual 3-part training on Hepatitis C basics. This presentation targets people who work in substance use treatment facilities and similar behavioral healthcare professionals who are interested in expanding services involving Hepatitis C testing and treatment in their organization.

Objectives:

Review the basics of Hepatitis transmission and local/national viral Hepatitis trends
Explain Hepatitis C testing and treatment protocols
Identify tools to integrate testing and treatment into healthcare settings

To watch a video presentation of each training session click on the links below:

HCV Resources in HHS Region 7

Iowa Resources

Name:	Biz McChesney
Affiliation:	HIV and Hepatitis Prevention Program Manager
Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	515-242-5149
Website:	https://idph.iowa.gov/hivstdhep/hep

Name:	Shane Scharer
Affiliation:	Hepatitis Data Coordinator
Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	515-281-5027
Website:	https://idph.iowa.gov/hivstdhep/hep

Kansas Resources

Name:	Dominique Saunders
Affiliation:	Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	785-296-0752
Website:	https://www.kdheks.gov/sti_hiv/hepatitis.htm

Missouri Resources

Name:	Christine Sewell
Affiliation:	Hep C Alliance
Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	573-442-6599
Website:	http://hepcalliance.org/

Name:	Tara McKinney
Affiliation:	Viral Hepatitis Director
Email:	[email protected]
Phone:	573-526-6640
Website:	https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/hepatitis.php

Nebraska Resources

Name:

Tammy Wenz

Affiliation:

Nebraska DHHS

Email:

Tammy.wenz@nebraska.gov

Phone:

Website:

402-471-8252

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Hepatitis.aspx

HCV Snapshot: Introduction to Hepatitis C for Health Care Professionals (Revised)

This free 90-minute online course is designed to familiarize medical and behavioral health professionals with Hepatitis C. After the course, participants will be able to:

Describe populations at increased risk for hepatitis C
Differentiate hepatitis C from A and B, and review transmission, symptoms, testing, and curability
Describe the screening process and the importance of your role in addressing patient concerns and improving outcomes
Review factors influencing treatment, current and emerging treatment options, and patients' treatment concerns.

Click here to go to online course.