Hepatitis C – Implementation of Screening and Linkage to Care

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The incarcerated population in Maricopa County Jails represents a medically underserved group in our community that is at high risk for infectious diseases. Until recently, individuals who entered into the jail system were only getting screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. With the preponderance of opioid misuse and intravenous drug use, the rates of hepatitis C in the community have increased. In 2017, Maricopa County Correctional Health Services embarked on a comprehensive screening program for hepatitis C, through the FOCUS grant. Given the large average daily population of 7,500 inmates, this screening program provides a tremendous opportunity to screen and educate patients about hepatitis C infections. Most of these patients will be returning to the community, where rates of hepatitis C infections continue to rise. Patients are offered screening upon entry into jail. When testing indicates an active hepatitis C infection, then an appointment is scheduled with a medical provider. This ‘linkage to care’ visit allows for patient education on risk factors, further testing, obtaining insurance in the community, and potential treatment options. Data has shown those entering our jails have an infection rate of approximately 20%, indicating the need for further development of linkage to care with community partners.