New York State Department of Health Recognizes May As Hepatitis Awareness Month
An Estimated Half of New Yorkers Living with Hepatitis C are Unaware of Their Status
Treatment is Available and Cures Most People in as Little as Eight Weeks
New York State has Integrated New Testing Guidance into Public Health Law
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 7, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month and reaffirms its commitment to eliminating hepatitis C. Notable action dates throughout the month include a nationwide effort on May 19 to encourage everyone to get tested and learn their status, and Hepatitis C Cure Day in New York State on May 24—a day to celebrate those cured of hepatitis C and to encourage others to get treated.
During this awareness month, the Department is also highlighting new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) testing recommendations that the state has integrated into Public Health Law requiring providers to test individuals for hepatitis C following these CDC guidelines.
"Hepatitis C is curable, it is not every day I talk about a once deadly disease that is not only treatable, but curable," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Hepatitis C often has no symptoms in the beginning, so it is important to have a blood test and find out, if you are positive, we are fortunate to have medications that work and work well."
The CDC now recommends that every adult get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, pregnant people get tested during each pregnancy, and everyone with ongoing risk factors get tested regularly. New York State has integrated these recommendations into Public Health Law, effective May 3, 2024.
Hepatitis affects the liver and can cause serious health problems, including liver damage and liver cancer. Although there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, treatment is available that is easy to take and can cure most people in as little as eight weeks.
While curative treatment is available for hepatitis C, large gaps in testing and treatment persist, driven by misinformation about treatment, stigma, and other social determinants of health. Of the estimated 116,000 people living with hepatitis C in New York State, half are unaware of their infection and therefore do not benefit from available curative treatment. According to the Department's latest hepatitis B and C annual report, in 2022 the regions of the state with the highest case rates per 100,000 population include NY Penn/Binghamton (53.1), Central NY (40.7), and Mid-Hudson Valley (37.9) regions.
The Department works with community-based organizations across New York State to increase access to hepatitis C testing and treatment. The Department's AIDS Institute provides funding for patient navigation and linkage to care supports to help people with hepatitis C overcome barriers to engaging in care and curative treatment.
Clinical Program Manager Abigail Hunter, FNP-BC, MSN, MPH from Mount Sinai said, "People with hepatitis C can be very anxious about their liver status and ability to be cured. When they hear that direct acting antivirals are so effective, often have few side effects and are covered by insurance they are excited and very appreciative. I am very pleased to be a part of their journey to a cure."
Real patients in New York State attest that curing hepatitis C has allowed them to live fuller, healthier lives.
Ashley, a person cured of hepatitis C said,"Getting cured of Hep C allowed me to prioritize my health and recognize the strength of my own willpower because nobody forced me to get cured: I chose to get cured and so I did. I was able to accomplish something of great measure while rebuilding from a life of failed attempts at recovery."
A patient at ACR Health shared, "I can't thank you enough – just for answering when I called. It was exactly what I needed at the time. You helped get me back on the path I was on. I took a little detour, but I am definitely back! I just wanted you to know I really appreciate it and that you give me HOPE."
A patient at Whitney Young Health Center said, "Ahh, such a relief! Another major hurdle I can put behind me now. Thanks so much for everything you guys did to help. I appreciate you all!"
What individuals can do:
- Help New York State eliminate hepatitis C. Learn more about hepatitis C at NY Cures Hep C.
- Track New York's progress towards hepatitis C elimination on the Hepatitis C Dashboard.
- Check the AIDS Institute provider directory for hepatitis C testing and treatment resources.
- Register for the New York State Hepatitis C Annual Progress Report Meeting to learn about the State's progress toward elimination.
In November 2021, New York State released its Hepatitis C Elimination Plan and joined the global public health effort in a commitment to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. The plan outlines a set of recommendations to address the inequities that sustain the hepatitis C epidemic in the New York State. On May 15, 2024, the New York State Department of Health will report on its progress towards hepatitis C elimination during the second Annual New York State Hepatitis C Elimination Progress Report.