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Learning Objective:
1.Understand the importance of Hepatitis C diagnosis, education, and control in substance abuse treatment programs.
2.Learn the importance of fostering partnerships in frontier communities to provide services.
3.Take away some strategies for implementing a Hepatitis C Program.
Background:
Substance abuse treatment programs around the country are seeing an increased number of Hepatitis C positive clients. Even in frontier communities, injection drug use is the primary risk behavior associated with Hepatitis C transmission. Hepatitis C education, diagnosis, and control can no longer be ignored in substance abuse treatment. Their clients need to know what behaviors have put them at risk and know their status. Clients knowing their status can be assisted with diet, lifestyle, prevention of further spread of Hepatitis C, and support. And, in some communities, they may be able to be vaccinated for HAV and HBV.
Southwest Counseling Service partners with Community Nursing Services to test for HIV and hepatitis without placing a fiscal burden on the treatment center. Frontier and rural communities need to have a multidimensional approach to infectious disease issues if they are to be successful in reducing transmission.
Setting:
Residential substance abuse treatment facilities
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Persons residing in residential treatment for substance abuse.
Project Description:
Clients entering a residential facility take part in an education program for Hepatitis A, B, C, and HIV. Clients are presented information about what behaviors have put them at risk, and also how to negotiate safer behaviors. Clients meeting criteria for at risk behaviors are offered testing for Hepatitis C. All Hepatitis C positive clients in long-term treatment are invited to a bi-monthly support group.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Clients entering substance abuse treatment become more aware of personal risky behaviors, and learn what steps they can take to manage their health in the future.
See more of I4 - Impact of Hepatitis in Frontier Settings
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference