Damien Center and the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis Launch Connect to Cure Program to Prevent Hepatitis C and Connect Hoosiers Living with the Virus to a Cure

The Damien Center and the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis are working to eliminate the hepatitis C Virus (HCV) as a health threat to Hoosiers by launching the Connect to Cure initiative.

HCV is spread through contact with blood from a person currently living with hepatitis C. Most people exposed to the virus will develop chronic HCV infection, which causes damage to the liver and can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine for HCV, but there are medications that can cure HCV infection in eight to 12 weeks. Once an individual is cured of HCV they are no longer able to transmit the virus to others.

National estimates suggest that an estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with an HCV infection and 51% are unaware they are carrying the virus. In 2019, Indiana ranked first in the country for the rate of reported acute HCV infections and it is estimated 69,000 people in Indiana ages 18 and older are living with the virus. However, because the infection can by symptom-free for many years, persons carrying the virus are often not tested and opportunities to cure infection early are missed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults ages 18 and older should be tested for HCV at least once in a lifetime, and all women should be tested for HCV during each pregnancy. HCV is curable. There are proven clinical tools to diagnose HCV infection and medications to eradicate the virus for those who are impacted, preventing negative health outcomes. The Connect to Cure Initiative will help make those tools accessible to all Hoosiers.

To accomplish this, the Damien Center is teaming up with partner organizations to hire and train 23 hepatitis C care coordinators and 13 testers/peer support specialists who will staff 19 regional sites in local communities across the state. Individuals can visit one of the locations to get prevention and care services through the Connect to Cure program including, HCV case management, testing, and linkage to care that will cure them of the virus. Insurance enrollment services will also be provided throughout the State, and a telehealth option is available for people who are living with HCV but are unable to access treatment within their community.

"It is crucial that all Hoosiers receive a Hepatitis C Virus screening at least once in their life, and more frequently if they are in an at-risk category," said Alan Witchey, president and CEO at the Damien Center. "HCV is curable, and we are committed to making both testing and treatment accessible for all residents in need."

Recent medical advancements in HCV treatment means that no one should have to live with or die from the disease. HCV testing and treatment is simple and Connect to Cure aims to make treatment accessible for all Hoosiers. For more information on the Connect to Cure initiative, visit the Connect to Cure website.

Connect to Cure is a program of the Indiana Department of Health. This program is funded in whole or in part by State and Federal allocations through the Indiana State Department of Health.

About Damien Center:
Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization and leads the effort to prevent the spread of HIV. The Center opened in 1987 and offers a one-stop-shop model of care that includes preventive, supportive, and medical services that empowers people in Central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity so they may live abundant and productive lives. Damien Center believes passionately in the dignity and worth of every person who seeks their services and strives to be a safe and welcoming place so that no barriers separate people from the services they need to prolong and enhance their lives. For more information visit: http://www.damien.org or follow them on Twitter at @DamienCenter or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theda....

About the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.
The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc. is a catalyst to support health-related projects and organizations that seek to serve Indiana’s most vulnerable citizens. Formed in 1985, the foundation is home to Indiana AIDS Fund and the Gregory R. Powers Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) Fund.
THFGI continues to take leadership roles in important health-related issues, including monkeypox, Hepatitis C, HIV and more. Learn more at: www.thfgi.org