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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to: discuss the importance and rationale behind integrating hepatitis services into substance abuse treatment centers, identify three activities that will increase hepatitis integration into these centers, and discuss local/state rule changes that will support hepatitis integration.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence among drug users is very high because it is primarily spread through intravenous drug use. Estimates of hepatitis C prevalence among intravenous drug users range from 65-95 percent. Substance abuse treatment (SAT) programs could be collaborators in hepatitis prevention, education, and care. Despite increasing awareness of HCV morbidity and mortality, many SAT programs do not have organizational capacity to implement hepatitis activities due to limited budgets and staffing issues.
Setting:
Using Chicago Department of Public Health program collaborations examples, this presentation will provide a framework for coordinated practice improvement efforts across SAT agencies throughout a metropolitan/state area and explore opportunities to increase hepatitis integration through mandates attached to funding and SAT regulation at the state level.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Substance abusers in treatment and substance abuse treatment staff
Project Description:
Hepatitis prevention programs may be able to supply HCV tests and/or hepatitis A and B vaccine directly to an SAT program but a coordinated area-wide program could reach many more high-risk individuals with consistent messages and coordinated interventions. Expansion of hepatitis integration at local and state government levels and integration directives from federal programs can increase implementation of hepatitis education, prevention, and services at SAT agencies.
Results/Lessons Learned:
There are many missed opportunities to reach adults at risk for and infected with hepatitis C through SAT programs. With limited resources collaborative efforts can increase hepatitis activities and reach individuals at risk for and infected with HCV.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference