Hepatitis C (HCV) Care in the Southern Tier

Authors: Sheena Malla, Yvonne Johnston, Mitchell Brooks, Meredith Smith, Nicole Keibel, Jennifer Mahram

Field of Study: Health and Wellness

Faculty Mentors: Yvonne Johnston

Easel: 6

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The rural Southern Tier of New York has a significantly higher burden of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection than the rest of the state, emphasizing the region's need for enhanced HCV prevention and care. In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology, this pilot study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to HCV care in the Southern Tier. An electronic survey and focus groups were used to assess the availability and quality of HCV services in our catchment area. Organizations that currently offer or are interested in offering HCV services were invited to participate. In the future, the NYSDOH may adopt our model to better evaluate and improve HCV infrastructure across NYS.