The California Hepatitis C Task Force

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am saddened to report we are all struck by the devastating loss of Megan's passing away peacefully, much too soon, on Friday, December 14, 2018. She was surrounded with love from family and friends after suffering from illnesses that broke her body but not her spirit. This loss of one of our own team members and long time friends has been felt by those in the communities we serve locally and around the world. Her unselfish sacrifice to pioneer and help save the lives of so many people in their struggles and challenges with substance abuse issues and mental disabilities is a legacy of greatness that remains with us. She humbly fought fearlessly for the underserved up to to her final days. Our deepest condolences go out to her family during this time. Rest in Peace - May 3, 1962 to December 14, 2018.

Upcoming celebration of Megan's life event will be posted, once determined, via our social media.
Bill Remak, Chairman

What we do

We provide support, networking for developing, and existing community organizations, reinforcing local efforts for better access, affordability and quality of care for those affected with viral hepatitis. Get involved. Take Action. Find out how you can get Involved »

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Advocacy

We act as a common voice for hepatitis patients on the local, state and federal level. We passionately take policy positions which favor patients and their access to care. We use grass roots support to drive legislation that puts patients' care first.

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Research

We develop models and improve existing viral hepatitis prevention, education, treatment, testing and reporting practices that support the delivery of evidence based treatments for viral hepatitis.

hep c videosFind out more here »
Innovation Saves Lives »
Go Boldly »

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Collaboration & Resources

We bring together concerned citizens, patients, health leaders and stakeholders to form community partnerships. This is an endeavor to bring services to those affected by viral hepatitis, enhance access to care and drive public health reform.

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Get the FACTS about Hepatitis C

 

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus: the virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.

hep c videosWatch patients describe what it's like to live with viral hepatitis »

Acute viral hepatitis infection is usually asymptomatic, and is only very rarely (if ever) associated with life-threatening disease. About 15-20% of infected persons spontaneously clear the virus within 6 months of infection without any treatment. The remaining 60-80% of persons will develop chronic viral hepatitis infection with the risk of cirrhosis of the liver for 15-30% of patients within 20 years.

hep c videosPatients tell their story »

Prevention

Prevention of viral hepatitis infection depends upon reducing the risk of exposure to the virus in health-care settings and in higher risk populations, for example, people who inject drugs, and through sexual contact.

Screening and Diagnosis

Due to the fact that acute viral hepatitis infection is usually asymptomatic, few people are diagnosed during the acute phase. In those people who go on to develop chronic viral hepatitis infection, the infection is also often undiagnosed because the infection remains asymptomatic until decades after infection when symptoms develop secondary to serious liver damage.

Treatment

Hepatitis C does not always require treatment as the immune response in some people will clear the infection, and some people with chronic infection do not develop liver damage. Access to viral hepatitis treatment is improving, but remains limited. The World Health Organization has a goal of getting 80% of the persons living with viral hepatitis globally treated by 2030. Today, we stand at a dismal 13% treatment rate. Much remains to be done.

Dr. Tarek Hassanein, MD, Hepatology & Gastroenterology doctor affiliated with Sharp HealthCare, discusses patient centered care »

Solution

▪ Raise awareness, promote partnerships and mobilize resources
▪ Formulate evidence-based policy and data for action
▪ Prevent transmission
▪ Massive Increases in screening, care and treatment services

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Known cases of Californians infected with Hepatitis C as of May 2018

NCHHSTP AtlasPlus gives you the power to access data reported to CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP). Use HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, TB and Social Determinants of Health Data to create maps, charts, and detailed reports, and analyze trends and patterns

The Silent Epidemic

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Download full report »

A recent surge in opioid addiction and injection drug use among young people across the state and the country. California's Department of Public Health is now reporting that hepatitis C virus (viral hepatitis) infections are now skyrocketing among millennials across the state-with new infections increasing 55 percent among men ages 20 to 29 and 37 percent among women in the same age group in the Golden State over the last decade, Capitol Weekly reports. Viral hepatitis-related death toll now exceeds all other nationally notifiable infectious conditions combined.

Together we can change the worldwide landscape and save lives by organizing patients and their loved ones to advocate for better access to healthcare and cures for viral hepatitis. Your contribution will help us reach our goal of getting everyone in California living with viral hepatitis cured.

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