Title : Enhancing Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment Accessibility through Innovative Services
Abstract:
Hepatitis C (HCV) continues to disproportionately affect underserved populations, especially racial and ethnic minorities, creating a pressing need for improved testing and treatment accessibility. Our clinic, which serves a majority-minority population (70.8%), is an ideal site to assess and improve existing HCV testing protocols. This presentation explores the effectiveness of our clinic’s approach to expanding service access, particularly through partnerships with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) centers, methadone clinics, and the development of a mobile clinic to enhance outreach and care delivery.
From January 2023 to December 2024, the clinic conducted 1,000 rapid INSTI Hepatitis C tests on 8,100 patients through both in-clinic visits and outreach events. Patients who tested positive were immediately scheduled for follow-up appointments that included lab work, risk factor assessments, and treatment planning. To broaden testing access, we expanded services to MAT centers, where patients who tested positive received same-day follow-up care. To further enhance accessibility, transportation support, including ride-share services and bus passes, was provided to those in need. A mobile clinic, launching in January 2025, will offer on-site lab work at MAT centers, creating an even more seamless care experience for patients.
The testing efforts yielded 55 positive Hepatitis C cases, with these individuals promptly receiving timely follow-up care. The expansion of testing services to MAT centers proved especially successful, leading to a noticeable increase in identified HCV cases. By integrating testing, consultation, and treatment in one location, continuity of care was significantly improved. The provision of same-day follow-up appointments, coupled with the involvement of a dedicated Linkage to Care (LTC) team, increased patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. The upcoming mobile clinic is expected to further streamline care by offering lab work directly at MAT facilities, further improving patient access to essential services.
In conclusion, the clinic’s approach to HCV testing and treatment has proven effective in identifying and treating Hepatitis C within underserved populations. By expanding services through MAT center partnerships and the mobile clinic, we aim to significantly increase access to care for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Key lessons learned from this project emphasize the importance of integrated testing and treatment services, timely follow-up care, and consistent patient support in enhancing patient engagement and improving health outcomes.
