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The Arizona Hepatitis C Program (AzHCP) began in 2000,
when the state legislature awarded funds from the Arizona tobacco
tax to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for
hepatitis C.
Studying the trends
In order to monitor the disease, the AzHCP has established a
registry to track the incidence, distribution and trends of
hepatitis C (HCV) in Arizona. This resource has been valuable in
identifying populations and community needs when planning program
activities. ADHS receives around 8,000 HCV positive reports per
year. As a result, the total number of reported HCV positive
individuals has grown to more than 70,000. However, Arizona is
estimated to have a hepatitis C population of over 100,000. This
means there may be at least 30,000 infected individuals in Arizona
who do not know about their infection. Most likely, this is because
they do not feel sick until 20 years after the initial infection. |
Click here to find out
on May 19, 2008 |
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Educating the public
With much of Arizona’s HCV infected population unknown,
prevention and control is important. The AzHCP conducts outreach,
offers education, and provides resources and referrals to infected
individuals. These efforts aim to improve their health and quality
of life, and to reduce their chances of passing the infection to
others. Education is also provided to those with hepatitis C through
telephone counseling, interactive workshops, and educational
materials. The education stresses the importance of abstaining from
alcohol and drugs, choosing a doctor that specializes in liver
disease, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. The
program also participates in community and prison health fairs and
other events to increase awareness of hepatitis C.
Delivering
vaccine
In support of these activities, the AzHCP also provides county
health departments with free hepatitis A and B vaccine for
HCV-positive individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Since
funds are limited, the vaccines are available while supplies last on
a "first come, first serve" basis.
Working together
In 2007, the AzHCP combined their services with the HIV/AIDS Office
and the STD Program to form a new office. The Office of HIV, STD,
and Hepatitis C Services (OHSHS) provides services and education for
individuals touched by HIV, STD and hepatitis. For example, the
OHSHS has partnered with organizations in the community to provide
free HCV and HIV testing, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
Keeping
our focus
The AzHCP maintains its focus on individuals infected with or
affected by hepatitis C and their healthcare providers. The program
continues to provide data and prevention services, as well as
technical assistance to county health departments, community
organizations, and other agencies on the tracking, prevention and
control of hepatitis C.
For questions regarding hepatitis C or our services, please call the
AzHCP hotline at (602) 364-3658.
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