On September 17 we held the first ever Viral Hepatitis Summit sponsored by Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI). There were 85 healthcare personnel and public health professionals in attendance, including physicians, social workers, nurses and pharmacists from all over Arizona. Some of the topics included adhering to hepatitis B and C testing guidelines, accessing treatment for hepatitis C, and understanding treatment for hepatitis C and HIV co-infected individuals.Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the U.S. More than one percent of the U.S. population is infected with hepatitis C. If you’re at-risk for hepatitis, ask your doctor to test you. Hepatitis testing for at-risk populations is now covered under the Affordable Care Act. For more information, visit the ADHS Viral Hepatitis website. To see pictures from the event, click on our Facebook page.
