Hepatitis Happenings and Updates
July marks two hepatitis awareness days: National African American Hepatitis C Action Day (July 25th) and World Hepatitis Day (July 28th). These commemorations focus on increasing access and awareness, and removing gaps to viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment service globally and in African American communities in the United States.
- NASTAD blog post commemorating National African American Hepatitis C Action Day and highlighting NASTAD’s commitment to racial equity
- NAAHCAD is a community mobilization initiative started by the National Black Leadership Commission on Health (NCBLH). The day aims to draw attention to the significant burden of hepatitis C in Black communities and promote hepatitis C education, testing, and treatment. Join NASTAD on Tuesday, July 25th, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to spread the word using the hashtag #NAAHCAD.
- Hepatitis Network for Education and Testing (HepNET) success story
- Read about the HepNET’s impact and awareness to engage people with lived experience to provide technical assistance to strengthen partnerships between health department viral hepatitis programs and local harm reduction services. Click here to become a member and receive updates focused on identifying and addressing the unmet needs of people who inject drugs (PWID) to improve their access to viral hepatitis education, prevention, testing, linkage to care, and treatment.
- Toolkit for New Viral Hepatitis Health Department Staff
- This is an updated toolkit designed for new viral hepatitis health department staff to help them get started in their new roles and includes basic information, recommendations, key national partners, CDC funding opportunities, and where to go for help.
- Resources and campaign materials from the World Hepatitis Alliance to increase awareness in your communities.
NASTAD Updates
Upcoming NASTAD-led Work Group Calls
Please note the updated dates for 2023. If you are interested in joining a work group, please reach out to hepatitis@nastad.org, Isabel Lechuga (rlechuga@nastad.org) or Zakiya Grubbs (zgrubbs@nastad.org) and we will reach out directly.
Outbreak Detection Planning Work Group
Collaborative space for jurisdictions to discuss developing and implementing an outbreak response plan for Hepatitis A, B, and C. Jurisdictions can share best practices and outbreak response activities, including monitoring surveillance data to identify outbreaks.
- Schedule: Monthly calls every fourth Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM ET
- Upcoming dates: August 22, September 26, October 24, and November 28, 2023
- Intended audience: Health department prevention and surveillance staff working on developing and implementing an outbreak response plan as a part of PS 21-2103 Component 1 grant activities.
Hepatitis Workgroup Calls
Bimonthly call to discuss recent hepatitis updates. Each meeting includes updates on hepatitis advocacy and policy, and drug user health. Participants are encouraged to send in Hot Topics for discussion to hepatitis@nastad.org prior to the meeting.
- Schedule: Bimonthly calls every third Tuesday from 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
- Upcoming dates: August 15, October 17, and December 19, 2023
- Intended Audience: Health department prevention and surveillance staff.
Hepatitis C Linkage to Care Workgroup
This workgroup, led by Amelia Salmanson, Utah Viral Hepatitis Coordinator and HepTAC consultant, is a space to share best practices and learn from other jurisdictions about DIS, linkage to care, and patient navigation.
- Schedule: Quarterly calls from 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET
- Upcoming dates: August 16, 2023
- Intended Audience: Health department prevention and/or surveillance staff working on HCV linkage to care.
Hepatitis and PWID Services Work Group
Quarterly workgroup in supporting jurisdictions working on integrated viral hepatitis and PWID services, especially Component 3 grantees. The meetings are an open space to discuss progress on implementing PWID service bundles and other related Component 3 activities and to identify TA needs related to these activities.
- Schedule: Quarterly calls from 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET
- Upcoming dates: September 20, 2023
- Intended Audience: Health department staff (including, but not limited to, Component 3 funded jurisdictions) SSP staff, substance use disorder treatment providers, state opioid treatment authorities, and other individuals interested in integrating viral hepatitis and PWID services.
Newer Hepatitis Staff Calls
These calls are being restructured in 2023 and are open to all new hepatitis health department staff who started their roles in the respective quarter of the call date. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet-and-greet others and familiarize themselves with NASTAD’s Newer Hepatitis Staff Toolkit. Reach out to Jasmine West (jwest@nastad.org) to be added to the invitation.
- Schedule: Quarterly calls from 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
- Upcoming dates: September 25, 2023
- Intended Audience: Newer hepatitis program staff (e.g. program coordinators, surveillance staff, etc.)
VLC recordings/upcoming sessions
We want to thank all the presenters, moderators, and participants for making this year of the VLC a success! We look forward to resuming in September!
Previous VLC sessions
On July 26 “FY24 Hepatitis Policy Look-Ahead” with presentations from Emalie Huriaux, Integrated Infectious Disease, Hepatitis C, and Drug User Health Programs Manager with the Washington State Department of Health and Julio Contreras, Manager, Policy & Legislative Affairs at NASTAD.
On July 5, NASTAD held the VLC session “Trauma-informed Approaches for Viral Hepatitis” featuring a presentation from Mahelet Kebede of NASTAD. The recording can be viewed here (YouTube link) and the Trauma-Informed Approaches toolkit can be accessed here.
You can visit the VLC microsite for more information and tune into recordings from previous VLC sessions.
Sex Worker Health & Harm Reduction TA Calls
The NASTAD Sex Worker Health and Harm Reduction Workgroup and NASTAD host a bi-monthly call for harm reduction programs and SSPs serving or interested in expanding services for people engaged in sex work. This call series is intended to serve as a space to facilitate connections and resource sharing, encourage peer support, offer TA and capacity building, and raise priorities of sex worker health in relation to harm reduction with national partners. The Sex Worker Health and Harm Reduction TA call is a component of the CDC-funded National Harm Reduction TA Center. At this time, calls are reserved for community-based organizations including drug user health programs and SSPs serving or interested in expanding services for people engaged in sex work. This call series is co-facilitated by regional consultants with support from the NASTAD Drug User Health team. Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of every other month, 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET.
Please contact DrugUserHealthTA@NASTAD.org for more information.
Hot Topics: HepTAC TA Requests
We have received a few TA requests and we are requesting your assistance:
- Have any states removed parental consent for viral hepatitis testing? And if the statutory language around parental consent only mentions STDs, does your jurisdiction consider viral hepatitis an STD?
- Examples of health systems assessments and what feedback is provided to respondents for HBV and/or HCV testing policies.
- Examples of viral hepatitis outbreak detection and response plans
- A list of state health departments or local health departments that have Hep C treatment programs, preferably those doing mobile Hep C treatment.
If you have any information on the above TA requests, please email hepatitis@nastad.org. Thank you!
Note: Our team aims to send out a monthly newsletter to streamline hepatitis communications. If you know someone who would benefit from signing up or if you would like to be unsubscribed from the monthly newsletter, please email us at hepatitis@nastad.org We apologize if you emailed us and haven’t heard back, please email us again!
Partner Updates
The purpose of this initiative under the Public Health Service Evaluation Fund is to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of novel linkage to care services in settings with high prevalence of HCV, including correctional facilities, substance use treatment programs, syringe service programs, or other harm reduction programs. Interventions of interest are those that are likely to improve hepatitis C treatment rates, reduce transmission, reduce hepatitis C disparities, and reduce hepatitis C-related liver cancer and mortality among people who are disproportionately impacted by viral hepatitis. Recipients will work with community partners to implement and evaluate interventions and develop resources for dissemination to diverse stakeholders. Application closes on August 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM ET.
Hep B United Mini Grants Program: Grant Forecast - Expansion of Hepatitis B-related Public Health Services for Highly Impacted Communities in the United States
The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) is announcing the forecasting of the Hep B United (HBU) 2023 Mini Grant Program awards for expanding hepatitis B-related public health services in the United States opening on June 5, 2023. HBF will award up to 7 grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each. The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of HBU coalition partners to conduct hepatitis B education, prevention, testing, and linkage to care in local communities. The emphasis of this grant is focused on addressing hepatitis B among African Immigrants, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, and Persons Who Use Drugs. This mini-grant forecast supports activities at the local coalition level to advance the hepatitis B priority areas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan. Apply by August 3, 2023. Contact Shreya Koirala (shreya.koirala@hepb.org) for more information.
The CDA Foundation will soon be releasing a request for proposals for the Relink program. The program will "provide grants to find diagnosed-but-untreated HCV and HBV infected individuals and help them get linked to care. The program is treatment agnostic. Diagnosed patients can go on any treatment recommended by their doctor." Eligible organizations for this grant opportunity included state health agencies (some states/territories are not eligible), tax exempt organizations serving the U.S. population, healthcare institutions (hospitals, clinics, universities, non-profits working with patients. More information and a sign-up to receive the RFP when it is released can be found here.
Resources
A Syndemic Approach to STD 340B Correctional Facility Partnerships for Health Department Prevention Programs
The resource “A Syndemic Approach to STD 340B Correctional Facility Partnerships for Health Department Prevention Programs,” developed in collaboration with the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) outlines 340B eligibility and considerations including prevention program collaboration, service integration, partnership management, and 340B cost savings taking into consideration prevention funding under the statutory authority of Section 318 including:
- PS21-2103: Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Prevention Funding for Health Departments
- PS18-1802: Integrated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Surveillance and Prevention Programs for Health Departments
- PS21-2010: Integrated HIV Programs for Health Departments to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States
- PS19-1901: Strengthening STD Prevention and Control for Health Departments
Mandatory Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Coverage of Adult Vaccinations under the Inflation Reduction Act
Updated guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on mandatory coverage requirements for Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended adult vaccines without cost sharing. These requirements (signed into law under the Inflation Reduction Act go into effect on October 1, 2023. Additional information can be found in this letter to state programs and this fact sheet.
NASTAD Harm Reduction and Housing Video Series
The Harm Reduction and Housing Video Series explores a variety of topics related to the complexities of harm reduction within supportive housing or temporary shelter programs. This video series summarizes the evidence supporting these frameworks, highlights a variety of successful models, and underscores important implementation tips.
CDC DVH PS21-2103 June 20, 2023, National Call Documents
On June 20th, DVH hosted a national call to discuss progress made by jurisdictions in Year 2 of PS21-2103. Resources from the call can be found on the NPIN links below:
- June 20, 2023, National Call slides and recording
- Year 2 Recipient Feedback Report (RFR)
- PS21-2103 Logic Model
- PS21-2103 Strategy 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1 Required Activities & Annual Reporting Requirements At-a-Glance
- Laboratory-based Hepatitis C Virus Clearance Cascade
Upcoming Webinars/Meetings:
Upcoming Webinars
WHO World Hepatitis Day Webinar | July 28, 2023, 7:00 AM EST
Learn of the different yet effective vaccines and treatments for HBV and a cure for HCV with a World Hepatitis Day Launch webinar hosted by the World Health Organization. Register here.
Connecting Pandemic Preparedness with Hepatitis Elimination to Strengthen Health Systems | August 29, 2023, 9:00 - 10:30 AM ET
Many countries are now well-positioned to expedite hepatitis elimination efforts while at the same time maintaining these systems to respond to new outbreaks. This webinar will launch a report released earlier this year “Building Resilient Health Systems: Sharing Investments in Hepatitis Elimination and Pandemic Preparedness.” The report provides an overview of how investments in achieving hepatitis elimination and preparing for the next pandemic are mutually reinforcing. Register here.
Archived Webinars
Federal Implementation of Updated Viral Hepatitis Screening and Vaccination Recommendations
On March 10th, 2023, CDC released a MMWR to update the recommendations for screening and testing for hepatitis B virus for all adults aged 18 years and older. View the webinar held by the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) on May 30, 2023, from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. EST on the federal implementation of these new recommendations. Federal partners shared lessons learned from the implementation of the updated hepatitis C screening recommendations in 2020. The session also provided an update on the implementation of universal hepatitis B vaccination guidelines and how hepatitis B screening and vaccination recommendations will be integrated. Speakers included representatives from BOP, CDC, HRSA, IHS, SAMHSA, and VA. Webinar can be viewed here (YouTube link).
Leaving No One Behind: Interventions that Address Systems and Structures to Reduce Hepatitis C Virus Disparities
As the United States (US) works towards establishing a national HCV elimination program, approaches involving policies and/or programs that focus on reducing systemic barriers and improving access to HCV prevention, testing, and treatment are needed to reach this goal for all populations and across the US. In this webinar, speakers and panelists conducting research in diverse settings, including San Francisco, Alaska, and San Antonio, will discuss policy- and systems-level interventions and community-based services to improve care and delivery among populations disproportionately affected by HCV. More information can be found here.
Upcoming Meetings
CSTE Viral Hepatitis Subcommittee Meetings | First Thursday, every other month at 3 PM ET
The Viral Hepatitis Subcommittee comprises epidemiologists, program coordinators, and others interested in viral hepatitis surveillance and epidemiology. The purpose of this subcommittee is to inform and improve practices related to viral hepatitis surveillance and data analysis in local, state, tribal, and territorial settings, as well as build epidemiologic capacity and support partnerships related to viral hepatitis surveillance. The subcommittee is also charged with reviewing and developing national position statements on viral hepatitis related topics, including standardized surveillance case definitions.
The Viral Hepatitis Subcommittee holds regular conference calls and webinars to discuss current issues and overarching topics related to viral hepatitis surveillance, such as best practices and lessons learned across jurisdictions, policy around viral hepatitis surveillance, and analyzing viral hepatitis data. For more information, click here.
Conferences/Events (National & Local)
5th Annual California Street Medicine Symposium
August 17-18, 2023 | Los Angeles, CA
The California Street Medicine Symposium still stands as one of only two street medicine focused conferences available in the US making this a unique opportunity to connect, learn and innovate together. This event provides an opportunity for street medicine teams, people with lived expertise in homelessness, community members, health plans, community organizations, government representatives, and academic medicine to come together in a common space to discuss the current state of street medicine in California, street medicine best practices, and where street medicine should go next. This two-day conference will be highlighted by two internationally recognized experts in homelessness as our keynote speakers, innovative lectures from speakers throughout the state of California, and an interactive problem-solving workshops to promote new ideas and new partnerships. More information can be found here.
United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA)
September 6-9, 2023 | Washington DC
This year’s theme is “A Love Letter to Black Women,” to celebrate and honor Black women (cis and trans). We will highlight Black women across our movements, from activists to women living with HIV, national advocates, community voices, federal leaders, health department staff, healthcare workers, researchers, and women-focused organizations. The Opening Plenary will tell their stories and acknowledge their contributions. Their experiences will be highlighted in workshops, institutes, posters, and special events. Take a look at the agenda and click here to register.
NASTAD and The AIDS Institute will co-host a hepatitis pathway. Please join us for our two workshops:
“Black Girl Magic in the Hep Space,” tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 8, 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET
“Black Advocacy & Policy: Leading the Fight to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis,” tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 9:00 -11:00 am ET
Unlocking HCV Care in Key Settings
September 12-3, 2023 | Virtual
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) and NASTAD will be hosting a free two-day virtual convening September 12 and 13, 2023. The convening includes moderated sessions with presentations and discussion showcasing promising models and best practices for integrating hepatitis C testing and
Treatment into each of the following key settings: federally qualified health centers, state correctional facilities, syringe services programs, and programs providing medications for opioid use disorder. Registration can be found here.
Texas Health Equity Conference
September 21-22, 2023 | El Paso, TX
The Texas Health Equity Conference focuses on all aspects of health in Texas. This conference is aimed at the ultimate goal of creating better health outcomes for the special populations that make up the state of Texas. Registration can be found here.
The 11th International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) 2023
October 17-20, 2023 | Geneva, Switzerland
This annual conference welcomes hundreds of practitioners, researchers, policymakers, advocates, community members, and people who use drugs every year. INHSU covers the latest advances in hepatitis C epidemiology, management, and treatment of viral hepatitis among people who use drugs. Through the dissemination of scientific knowledge, our aim is to contribute to the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030. More information can be found here.
Publications
Hepatitis C Virus Clearance Cascade — United States, 2013–2022
Minnesota Becomes 2nd State to Officially Support Overdose Prevention Centers
Advancing research, awareness, screening, and linkage to care to eliminate HDV in the U.S
We have a cure for hepatitis C — so why aren’t more people getting treatment?
IDSA, AASLD Hepatitis C Guidelines Offer Strategies for Incomplete Adherence
Our team aims to send out a monthly newsletter to streamline hepatitis communications. If you know someone who would benefit from signing up or if you would like to be unsubscribed from the monthly newsletter, please email us at hepatitis@nastad.org