Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Caroline Rains, MD¹, David Nelson, MD², Mitzi Tucker, MSN, ARNP², Mary Jean Linn, RN, MURP¹, and Sandra Roush, MT, MPH³. (1) Alachua County Health Dept, 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641, 352-334-7902, Caroline_Rains@doh.state.fl.us, (2) Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, (3) National Immunization Program/ Epidemiology and Surveillance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30333

A pilot project designed and implemented to provide treatment for uninsured clients with viral hepatitis C at the local level. Currently available public health infrastructure has been strengthened by partnerships between the University of Florida College of Medicine, the Alachua County Health Department, the Florida Department of Health, and private industry. Beginning in February 2005 the Alachua County Health Department (CHD), with training and consultation from hepatology specialists at the University of Florida, has provided a liver clinic for the treatment of viral hepatitis C. Clients receive comprehensive evaluation to assess the need for treatment. Clients that are screened medically and financially (low income uninsured) that meet criteria can receive treatment. Current standard of care treatment involves from 24-48 weeks of combined therapy (peg interferon in weekly subcutaneous injections and ribavirin in a twice daily oral dose). Case management functions are provided by the CHD. The pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs to provide treatment drugs to those who meet financial guidelines. In the last year, February 2005- February 2006, 34 patients met criteria to be scheduled an appointment with the liver clinic at the CHD. Of those 34, twenty have kept their clinic appointment. Thirteen of those have started the standard treatment for hepatitis C. At this time 4 were nonresponders, one discontinued treatment due to side effects, and 8 are currently on treatment. Of these 8 one has responded to therapy and will complete 1 year of chemotherapy in February. Another is due to complete treatment in April.

Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to

• Describe the FL Hep-CARE project,
• Assess the application of this model for care in their jurisdiction, and
• Describe the standard of care treatment for Hepatitis C

Keywords: Hepatitis C, Underserved Populations

Related Web page: www.doh.state.fl.us/chdalachua/epi/hepatitis.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered