Hepatitis C Birth Cohort Testing Communications Toolkit
ASTHO is working to enhance the role of state
health agencies in addressing hepatitis and demonstrate the value of
infrastructure and funding at the state public health level.
On Aug. 16,
2012, CDC released expanded screening recommendations for identifying persons
with hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. The new recommendation that
all baby boomers (people born from 1945-1965) be tested once is intended to
increase the proportion of persons with chronic HCV who are diagnosed and
ensure they receive appropriate prevention services and are linked to needed
care and treatment.
To help state health officials communicate about
CDC's updated recommendations with providers and the public, ASTHO has
collected helpful tools and background materials. Other resources will be
posted as they become available.
Provider Education Tools
Sample "Dear Colleague" letter
New York City commissioner of health’s letter
to medical providers about HCV prevention and testing recommendations.
Training materials
- Hepatitis Web Study:
Interactive, case-based modules for web-based study from the University of
Washington and the Seattle STD/HIV Training Center.
- Hepatitis C Online Course:
Interactive self-study course on hepatitis C infection from the University of
Washington and the International Viral Society-USA.
- Florida Hepatitis 101 Webinar
Educational webinar features testing
recommendations, and provides nurses with continuing education units
(CEUs).
ASTHO Showcases State Successes & Innovative Approaches
CDC's Recommendations for One-time Hepatitis C Virus Testing for
Persons Born During 1945-1965
Meeting report on public health's role
and key elements for effective implementation. View
document »
State-Level Implementation of the Birth
Cohort Hepatitis C Testing Recommendations
State successes and
approaches for leveraging collaborations in care and surveillance for
implementation of CDC's testing recommendations. View
document »
Arkansas Promotes Hepatitis C Testing Among
Baby Boomers
State story highlights the Arkansas Department of
Health's innovative strategies to implement the testing recommendations. View
document »
Wisconsin Promotes Hepatitis C Testing
Among Baby Boomers
State story highlights the Wisconsin Division of
Public Health's efforts around stakeholder education and partner engagement
to implement the testing recommendations. View
document »
New
York Hepatitis C Testing Law
New York implements the first state
hepatitis C testing law in the nation.
Florida Hepatitis Prevention Comprehensive Plan (2011-2015)
Comprehensive plan
guides program goals and activities, and includes a key strategic objective to
increase viral hepatitis education amongst providers.
Florida
Hepatitis Resource Guide
Resource guide lists organizations that
provide hepatitis and related support services.
Presentation Videos
"Understanding CDC's
Recommendations for Baby Boomer HCV Testing," John Ward, CDC
"New Developments in Hepatitis C Care and Treatment," Donald Jensen,
University of Chicago Medical Center
"Public Health Leadership's Role in Hepatitis C Testing and Care," Judith
Monroe, CDC