The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) acts as the central  hub for issues concerning adult hepatitis in Arizona. The program is housed in the same office as HIV and STD services in order to offer wrap around services to those impacted by or infected with Hepatitis, HIV or Sexually Transmitted infections.
Hepatitis includes a range of diseases or infections that impact the function of the human liver. Hepatitis A, B and C can be described as blood borne pathogens that can also be sexually transmitted.
Click here to find out.
The Arizona Department of Health Services receives thousands of hepatitis case reports each for Hepatitis A, B and C infections each year. By far the most predominant number of cases involve Hepatitis C (HCV).
ADHS receives around 8,000 HCV positive reports per year. The total number of reported HCV positive individuals has grown to more than 80,000. However, Arizona is estimated to have a Hepatitis C population of over 120,000. This means there may be at least 30,000 individuals in Arizona who do not know about their infection. Unlike other diseases HCV has very few “visible” symptoms and most individuals do not discover they have the disease until 20 years after exposure. Exposure estimate numbers indicate that 1 in 12 individuals are either Hep B or C positive. |
|
Educating the Public
With much of Arizona’s HCV infected population unknown, prevention and control is important. The Arizona Hepatitis Program (AzHP) conducts outreach, offers education, and provides web accessible 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.
Proactive Prevention
Hepatitis A and B are both preventable with a series of injections. A majority of children born in Arizona since 1982 have received and completed the Hepatitis B vaccine as part of their standard child hood vaccinations but individuals over the age of 25 may still be at risk for Hepatitis B.
The AzHP also participates in a national program to supply local health departments and other partners with hepatitis A and B vaccine for high-risk adults or HCV-positive individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. The vaccine is free, but most health departments charge a minimal administration fee to cover the cost of nurse time, materials and record keeping. As funds are limited, the vaccines are available while supplies last on a first come, first serve basis.
Additionally the AzHP offers trainings throughout the state on a range of Hepatitis and related topics for the layman to health care professional. For more information contact the program.
Working together - "Service Integration" are the new buzz words
In 2007, the AzHP combined their services with the HIV/AIDS Office and the STD Program to form a new integrated services office. The Office of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Services (OHSHS) provides services and education related to HIV, STD and hepatitis. The goal of the integrated program is to provide those seeking information or services seamless access with wrap around care and support.
Keeping our focus
For questions regarding hepatitis or program offered services, please call the Arizona Department of Health Services at 602-364-3610 or the AzHP hotline at (602) 364-3655.
Remember, you have got to love and take care of your liver it is the only one you have…
For more information on Hepatitis, visit
www.cdc.gov
http://www.aminumber12.org
http://www.liverfoundation.org
