Identification to Elimination in HCV-Infected Individuals

In rural Pennsylvania, transportation is considered a socioeconomic barrier and social detriment to personal health. Using an evidence-based model of population health by bringing the care into the high-risk population's community setting reduces the transportation and socioeconomic barriers of the most vulnerable at risk populations.

It is estimated that 35% to 65% of Opioid Substitution Treatment Patients (OST), are infected with HCV. Therefore, OPT programs that are already operating will be engaged and will be a primary focus for patient screening and recruitment for these services. In addition, high volume venues attracting high-risk populations will also be targeted to encourage HCV screening, education, and treatment.

Primary Objectives:

To screen Opioid Substitution Treatment Patients (OST), high-risk individual at Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP), and/or all high-risk populations in outlying sites (Anti-HCV prevalence)

To initiate HCV treatment of OST patients and other high-risk individuals at OTP facilities and/or high risk populations in outlying sites (linkage of care)

To maintain the successful HCV therapy and cure [Sustained Viral Response (SVR)] in OST patients and other high-risk individuals at OPT facility and/or high risk populations in outlying sites (retention)

To facilitate the use of a patient navigator and nursing case management staff to reduce barriers to initial screening and patient education

Inclusion criteria

Subjects will be included in the study if the following criteria is met:

• The subject must be an Opioid Substitution Treatment patient.
• The subject must fall into another high-risk population for the HCV.

Exclusion criteria

Subjects may be excluded from the study if the subject falls into an exclusion category as identified as:

• The subject cannot be or suspected of being pregnant
• The subject cannot be under the age of 18 years.
• No subjects requiring a legally authorized representative will be enrolled