Informational Brief on CDC Hepatitis Funded Program: Improving State and Local Hepatitis B and C Care Cascades

CDC estimates that approximately 4.4 million people in the U.S. are living with viral hepatitis — most of whom do not know they are infected. Over time, if left untreated, viral hepatitis can lead to costly care and treatment, and can result in premature death. Early detection and intervention can be cost-effective and save lives.

To reduce infection and disease caused by viral hepatitis, there is a need to:

• Increase the number of persons that are tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and are made aware of their infection status.
• Implement strategies to increase testing in hard-to-reach populations.
• Facilitate linkage to recommended care and treatment services for persons who test positive for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Through this cooperative agreement, state and local health departments will:

Funding

CDC has awarded funding for 46 states, three cities, and the District of Columbia.  Funding for the four-year project period is expected to be approximately $5.7M each year.