The opioid crisis in the United States has led to increased HCV infection among younger populations of people who inject drugs (PWID) and other vulnerable populations, who often seek care at community health centers. Early treatment for HCV can lead to decreased transmission rates and increased cure rates with advances in oral medications. Recent evidence suggests that health center patients benefit from receiving hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening outside of the CDC recommendations of risk factors and patients born between 1945 and 1965, referred to as the “baby boomer” birth cohort.
Part 1: The Intersection of Opioids and Hepatitis in the US and Resources Available
- NASTAD discussed the current landscape of opioid and infectious disease and resources available for health settings to improve screening, testing, and treatment options for patients.
Part 2: Combined Infectious Disease and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment with Special Populations
- NNCC reviewed how enhanced screening and behavioral health integration improved patient outcomes for hepatitis and opioid use disorder for high risk populations in Philadelphia, PA
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless discussed the integration of infectious disease and substance use disorder treatment for people experiencing homelessness and in shelters
Part 3: Implementing an Enhanced HCV Screening Model in Iowa
- Iowa Department of Public Health reviewed current substance use disorder rates in Iowa and surveillance to eliminate HIV and HCV throughout the state
- The Clinician Consultation Network of University of California San Francisco reviewed resources available for providers treating hepatitis and co-occurring substance use orders, such as the Warm Line for consultation of cases.
Part 4: Expanding Medication-Assisted Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
- Community College of Philadelphia Nursing Department discussed the history of community nursing and how nursing students have increased awareness of opioid use disorder and Narcan trainings throughout Philadelphia
- Public Health Management Corporation explained the expansion of Medication-Assisted Therapy in Rising Sun Health Center and resources for organizations to increase provider capacity
