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Learning Objective:
1. Identify where viral hepatitis messages/activities can be integrated into existing services.
2. Identify strategies for integrating hepatitis screening, counseling, treatment, and referrals into substance use treatment programs, STD clinics, criminal justice settings and HIV/AIDS programs.
3. Identify resources to assist in our work.
Background:
Indian Health Service became concerned about hepatitis C (HCV) in the late 1990s as many cases of chronic hepatitis C infection were identified in Indians across the United States. The IHS Hepatitis C Workgroup was formed by instruction of the Executive Leadership Group of IHS in early 2000 to provide a comprehensive cost analysis addressings hepatitis C among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)populations. The Workgroup found that little information exists regarding the prevalence of hepatitis C infection in AI/AN communities, but anecdotal evidence suggested that rates of infection might be similar to those found nationally. Screening, testing, and treatment are implemented inconsistently in Indian health care settings, leaving most chronic HCV infections unidentified. Prevention and treatment will be cost effective monetarily and in quality of life.
Setting:
Blackfeet Community Hospital, tribal health programs & educational settings
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Communities on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Project Description:
Program goals include building capacity within Blackfeet Community Hospital and among community partners around issues related to HCV. The program is made up of five primary areas: 1) street outreach/education; 2) HCV screening, hepatitis A & B vaccinations; 3) case management, social service support, building infrastructure; 4) health education; 5) establish community planning group to develop HIV/HCV strategic plan.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Building capacity in the community around issues related to HCV by integrating services with existing hospital programs and creating linkages with community services is critical in the prevention, control, and elimination of HCV.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference