{"id":12030,"date":"2022-05-26T11:22:30","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T16:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swope-cloud.flywheelsites.com\/?p=12030"},"modified":"2024-02-10T10:26:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T16:26:06","slug":"hep-c-show-me-the-cure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swopehealth.org\/hep-c-show-me-the-cure\/","title":{"rendered":"Swope Health Provides Hep C Leadership: Show Me the Cure"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Rachel<\/p>\n

Swope Health played a role in this month\u2019s launch of \u201cShow Me the Cure<\/a>,\u201d a statewide plan to eliminate hepatitis C. The plan was unveiled at a May 19 event in Jefferson City by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The plan calls for universal testing, treatment, improving outcomes for people living with Hepatitis C, and preventing new infections.<\/p>\n

Rachel Melson, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Outreach Clinic Director, began a similar program<\/a> at Swope Health in 2019, which produced remarkable results<\/a>: more than 210 patients cured of the disease in just three years.<\/p>\n

She was named to the state task force on Hepatitis C and she participates in the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Viral Hepatitis Stakeholders Group. As part of this group, she developed a Hepatitis C Provider \u201cPocket Guide\u201d<\/a> as a resource to other healthcare providers to increase the availability of treatment across the state for Hepatitis C.\"\"<\/p>\n

The pocket guide has been endorsed by the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable<\/a>, the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, MOHealthnet\u2019s Project HepCURE, and the Mid-America Addiction Technology Center.<\/p>\n

The pocket guide includes clinical guidelines for Hepatitis C testing and treatment, medication coverage assistance, provider clinical support, and education and resources on overdose prevention and harm reduction.<\/p>\n

As part of the Missouri stakeholders group, Dr. Melson provides guidance to other clinicians in the state who are starting to treat Hepatitis C as a clinical expert through the Show-Me ECHO platform. Nationally, she has been recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in Hepatitis C for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of the role Swope Health has played in the statewide effort,\u201d she said. \u201cOur goal is to ensure everyone has access to testing and treatment for Hepatitis C, and ultimately, to end Hepatitis C.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is Hepatitis C?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hepatitis C virus is one of the most significant health problems affecting the liver. More than half of the individuals diagnosed with Hep C will develop chronic infection, while the other half may experience acute infection that may spontaneously clear.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0CDC offers explanations<\/a>\u00a0for all the primary types of viral hepatitis: A, B and C.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis A and B are viral infections in the liver.<\/strong> Because of vaccine availability, numbers of cases of Hepatitis A and B have declined dramatically. Because Hepatitis B can become a lifelong infection causing serious liver damage or cancer, vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth. Hepatitis A infections are usually self-limiting without long-term complications and vaccination is recommended based on risk. \u00a0If you are unsure of your risk or if you are unaware of your vaccination status, discuss vaccination for Hepatitis A and B with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis C<\/strong>\u00a0is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Most people who are infected will have lifelong infection, which can cause serious problems including liver disease or liver failure, or cancer. There are an estimated 2.4 million people living with the disease, and many may not know they are infected as they may not have symptoms.<\/p>\n

This disease spreads through contact with blood from an infected person. Most people become infected by sharing needles or syringes in injected drug use. However, it is possible to get Hepatitis C in other ways such as: unprotected sex, sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors, and unregulated tattoos or body piercings.<\/p>\n

Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. But there is a CURE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hepatitis C and YOU<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Anyone who has tested positive for Hepatitis C can call Swope Health to participate in the program \u2013 regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. For more information, call the Hep C Nurse at 816-321-3604.<\/h3>\n

If you are unsure of your Hep C status, you can ask to be screened at Swope Health. All adults age 18 and older should be tested at least once and continue to get routine testing if they have risk factors<\/strong> or conditions including HIV infection, injection drug use, recent incarceration or are receiving dialysis.<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShow Me the Cure\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMissouri\u2019s hepatitis C plan provides a roadmap for the state to use to eliminate hepatitis C. This plan was developed in collaboration with diverse partners from across the state, which was essential for ensuring that the needs of Missourians were addressed in the plan,\u201d according to a statement from Alicia Jenkins, Chief of the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services\u2019 Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis.<\/p>\n

The \u201cShow Me the Cure\u201d plan focuses on access to services, provider development, education, collaboration and awareness, surveillance, and policy and advocacy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Access to Services<\/strong><\/p>\n