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Informational Brief on CDC Hepatitis Funded Program - Hepatitis Prevention: Young Persons Who Inject Drugs

People who inject drugs are at risk for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection through the sharing of needles and drug-preparation equipment.  CDC estimates that approximately 30,000 new hepatitis C cases (referred to as “acute” cases) and 20,000 new cases of hepatitis B occurred in 2013.  From 2010-2013, new HCV infections increased by more than 150% nationwide.  This new epidemic of HCV is fueled by the increase in prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.

Changes in Rates of New Hepatitis C Virus Cases Reported by State, United States, 2010-2013

To address the high rates of viral hepatitis infection among young persons who inject drugs, there is a need to:

  • Prioritize interventions to reduce new hepatitis infections more effectively.
  • Create age-appropriate (e.g., young adult) hepatitis intervention and prevention strategies.
  • Explore the influence of injection drug use behaviors and injection practices within social networks.

CDC has awarded funding for two projects to:

  • University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
  • University of Cincinnati  – Cincinnati, OH

To increase testing and ensure persons infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C have access to life-saving treatment and care, these programs:

  • Collect information from interviewing and testing people who inject drugs who reside in southern Ohio, adjacent Kentucky or West Virginia, and two regions of New Mexico.
  • Develop and implement an approach to bring a network of primary health-care providers, medical specialists experienced in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, community-based organizations, and health departments together to improve testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection among young people ages 18-30 years.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to enroll hepatitis B and hepatitis C infected persons into various prevention, care, support, and treatment services.

Funding

Funding for the three-year project period is expected to be approximately $599,831 each year.   These funds are not being used to support syringe services programs.

 

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