Starting in 2019 we began the planning and development of a pilot to do in-community rapid antibody testing for hep C, with connection to serology (blood tests) and linking to care where indicated. In early 2020 we organized three testing and linkage to care events, in collaboration with community-based organizations that have a strong history in providing harm reduction services along with other supports for people in their local community who may not have secure housing, healthcare readily accessible, food security or requiring assistance to meet other needs.
Images courtesy of the Dr. Peter Centre in Vancouver.
Background
The data we have been provided by the BCCDC has shown us for years that people who use drugs or experience homelessness are at elevated risk to be living with hep C and face other health challenges, including the poisoned drug supply. This segment of the population are impacted by high mortality rates and other situations that make their quality of life and general health far less than ideal by any measure.
In context
Hep C is not considered urgent or an emergency, in terms of how we are affected upon exposure. Having said that, some people can live with hep C with no obvious symptoms for as long as several decades, while others will present with a list of health problems much sooner, some more serious than others. Hepatitis C can easily fall to the bottom of the list of things needing attention. This approach to a chronic disease such as hep C has shown itself to be lacking. There is another important factor we recognized as needing attention: providing rapid testing and linkage to care where people live. In this context that means rural and smaller communities, or places with more cases in the province, where services are not always as robust as in big cities.
It’s personal
For me it is personal. Having lived with hep C for many years myself, and experiencing the effects of the virus and the stigma we so often see and hear from others. On the positive side, each time someone is tested and linked to appropriate care and treatment is a victory. We all deserve the best possible access to the things we need, regardless of where we live. I have seen the effects of ignoring hep C: despite it not being thought of as an urgent condition, it can do serious harm over time and we have no reliable way to predict how rapidly that harm will occur, and how severe it may be, or become.
Good news
Hep C is curable for nearly all people. When found earlier, as with other health conditions, people can in most cases avoid the damages caused by living with chronic hepatitis C.
If you or the organization you are working with, as a peer or in any other capacity, would like to participate in this initiative, please let me know and we can work with you in helping to bring testing and linkage to care to your community. One step at a time, we can make a difference in people’s lives, one person at a time.
Learn more about working with us and bringing hepatitis C point of care tests to your community by emailing Daryl Luster, Peer Programs Lead, at daryl [at] bchep.org.
Peer Navigator who has experienced hep C • Rapid antibody testing takes 40 minutes or less • Confirmatory blood draws can be done immediately • Linking to care and treatment, if needed • Hep C screening in your community • Free to your organization, and your clients. • Peer support from beginning to end (and beyond) Two horizontal rectangles at the bottom read • Bring hepatitis C point-of-care testing to your community long-term. A peer navigator will provide interactive point of care test training virtually or on-site, and work with your organization to develop a linking to care plan for clients, if not already in place. Let’s connect: Email Daryl at daryl[at]bchep.org, or phone him at Help4Hep BC 1-888-411-7578." width="791" height="1024" />
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