Receiving a Hepatitis C (Hep C) diagnosis can be a terrifying experience. If left untreated, Hep C—a viral infection that can spread through blood-to-blood contact—can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis (liver scarring), or even liver cancer. Many people with Hep C don’t experience any symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred, which can make the diagnosis even more jarring.
“When I originally found out that I had hepatitis… you could have told me that I had signed my death warrant,” said Bryant, a former CCC client.
Despite the seriousness of this disease, Hep C is treatable. At CCC, the Hep C Team is dedicated to changing the narrative by supporting patients through innovative, highly accessible treatment options; engaging in direct outreach to vulnerable communities; and providing holistic, trauma-informed care to eliminate the stigma surrounding a Hep C diagnosis.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
CCC’s Hep C Team takes a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. Their goal is to meet patients where they are—both physically and emotionally.
“We literally love our people so much,” said Emily Fox, a Hep C Outreach and Linkage to Care Specialist at CCC. “We treat them with dignity and respect that they might not get anywhere else.”
The Hep C team is made up of outreach specialists like Emily, coordinators, and pharmacists, many of whom have lived experience with Hep C, making them uniquely positioned to offer support and advocacy. The team collaborates with CCC’s various programs and community partners to refer patients with additional services, including mental health care, primary care services, and employment support.
Making Screening More Accessible
One of CCC’s most groundbreaking advancements in Hep C care is the implementation of a dried blood spot (DBS) test-and-treat model. This innovative testing method eliminates many of the barriers associated with traditional blood draws, particularly for individuals with a history of intravenous drug use, who may experience scarring of their veins. Instead of requiring a full blood sample, DBS testing involves a simple finger poke. The blood is then collected on a DBS Testing Card for analysis.
Dr. Andrew Seaman, Assistant Professor of Medicine at OHSU and a contracted physician with CCC, emphasized how important this approach has been for patients:
“For the first time in the country, we can initiate people on Hep C treatment using only a finger stick blood lab,” he said. “This method allows us to reach people who might otherwise never step into a clinic.”
CCC’s Hep C Team has received international recognition for this groundbreaking work. The program was named one of the top three Hep C elimination projects in North America by the International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU).
The ability to perform this test anywhere—from a park bench to a treatment facility—ensures that more people can access testing and begin treatment without the additional burden of navigating complicated clinical environments.
CCC’s model is now being studied and replicated globally as a leading example of accessible and effective Hep C treatment.
Connecting Patients to Care
Getting patients from diagnosis to treatment is a priority for CCC’s Hep C Team. The process is designed to be seamless, trauma-informed, and supportive.
For most patients, Hep C treatment can be initiated quickly. Here’s what typically happens once a patient tests positive for Hep C:
- The team assesses their liver health and determines if further lab work is needed.
- Treatment begins within a week, which typically consists of an eight-to-twelve-week course of medication with a high cure rate.
- Patients receive continuous support throughout their treatment, including reminders and transportation to get to their monthly appointments.
Since receiving his diagnosis and treatment, Bryant has become an outspoken advocate for treatment.
“He’s not shy about it at all,” said Megan Cooley, a CCC Hep C Outreach and Linkage to Care Specialist. “He’ll tell everyone, ‘They treated my Hep C!’ and it encourages others to seek treatment, too.”
A Turning Point for Well-Being
The impact of CCC’s Hep C Team goes beyond medical treatment. For many patients, receiving care is a turning point that inspires them to take charge of other aspects of their well-being.
“It’s amazing to see people start to feel better,” said Megan. “Once they realize that they can beat Hep C, it opens the door to other positive changes in their lives.”
For Bryant and countless others, CCC’s Hep C Team has been life changing. Thanks to the dedication of outreach workers and coordinators, innovative testing methods, and a commitment to emotionally supportive, holistic care, more people than ever are receiving the treatment they need to live healthier, stigma-free lives.
Bryant, Megan, and Emily (left to right).
Do you or someone you know need Hep C testing or treatment?
CCC’s Hepatitis C Elimination Program is here to help—visit our program page to learn more and get in touch.
