Thursday, May 19th, is National Hepatitis Testing Day and Rural Health, Inc. would like to remind the public about our Hepatitis C Program and the importance of getting tested. Data shows that 2.3 million people across the U.S. live with chronic Hepatitis C and 70-80% of those people have no symptoms what so ever. Left untreated, the virus can cause liver damage, failure, and cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing every adult at least once, pregnant women during every pregnancy, and everyone with ongoing risk factors (injection drug use, HIV infection, being born between 1945-1965, and more) regularly.
Rural Health, Inc. urges the public to consider testing for the infectious virus. “With the numbers of those infected rising, the importance of getting screened is crucial,” says Chase Hileman, Community Outreach Coordinator. “The fact that most people with Hepatitis C don’t even display symptoms is scary. Individuals should do themselves a favor and get tested. You never know, that test could lead to the improvement of your overall health and well-being”.
Our organization provides all CDC recommended screenings for the virus, such as HCV antibody testing, and has recently introduced FibroScan monitoring, allowing noninvasive liver measurements and assessments. Those found to be positive with the Hepatitis C virus can also be cured through our cost- effective treatment regimen: an 8 to 12-week application of direct-acting antivirals (DAA’s) prescribed by one of 16 HCV certified providers. “Test, cure, and LIVE,” says Hepatitis C Program Coordinator, Tauhsa Vernon. “Let us help you get your life back from Hepatitis C.”
The Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment Program options are covered by most insurance carriers. The services are offered at all five locations. More information can be obtained by calling the Rural Health, Inc. main office in Anna at (618) 833-4471.
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