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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T164536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T174034Z
UID:10000159-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Reframing Herpes Prevention\, Treatment\, and Care Through a Strengths-Based Lens: A Call to Normalize Herpes and Advance Stigma Informed Communication
DESCRIPTION:Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most common yet misunderstood sexually transmitted infections\, often framed through a deficit-based lens emphasizing stigma\, fear\, and distress. This presentation issues a strengths-based call to action; reimagining HSV prevention\, treatment\, and care as opportunities to foster resilience\, agency\, and self-compassion among patients and providers. \nDrawing from two complementary studies\, the presentation will highlight how individuals living with HSV demonstrate strength\, empathy\, and adaptability while calling on healthcare providers to improve stigma-informed care\, patient engagement\, and normalization of HSV in sexual health communication. The first study\, based on qualitative interviews with healthcare providers across New York State\, explores how clinicians navigate patient anxiety and misinformation following a diagnosis. Providers emphasized empathetic communication\, reframing herpes as a manageable and common condition\, and using trust-building dialogue to reduce stigma\, underscoring how affirming\, person-centered clinical encounters can model best practices in care. The second study\, a national survey of over 1\,000 adults living with HSV\, identifies trends in disclosure behaviors\, treatment practices\, and mental well-being. Many respondents reported proactive engagement in safer sex practices\, timely treatment\, and open disclosure despite emotional challenges\, highlighting resilience and ethical commitment. Findings also point to the need for improved educational materials\, communication trainings that include communication strategies when delivering an HSV clinical diagnosis\, and acknowledgment of antiviral therapy’s psychological benefits. \nTogether\, these findings advance a reframing of HSV prevention\, treatment\, and care from pathology to possibility. This session will invite healthcare and public health professionals to embrace strengths-based\, stigma-informed strategies.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/reframing-herpes-prevention-treatment-and-care-through-a-strengths-based-lens-a-call-to-normalize-herpes-and-advance-stigma-informed-communication/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-STIs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T163807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T174018Z
UID:10000155-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:No-Cost\, High Impact: The Power of Free STI Clinics in Driving PrEP Usage
DESCRIPTION:In 2023\, in response to rising syphilis rates and persistent disparities in STI outcomes\, we launched a free\, community-based STI clinic to expand access to testing and treatment. Prior to this\, our services were primarily focused on providing PrEP and HIV care to the LGBT population. In 2024 alone\, the clinic served 871 patients—69% of whom identified as ethnic minorities\, a population disproportionately impacted by barriers to healthcare access\, including PrEP. \nGiven that three out of four new HIV diagnoses occur among minority populations\, we leveraged the STI clinic as a public health intervention to increase PrEP awareness and uptake through routine testing encounters. This presentation will share outcome data demonstrating how integrated STI services supported early treatment\, improved linkage to PrEP\, and facilitated the identification and rapid initiation of care for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV. \nWe also highlight the critical role of HIV prevention specialists—trained in culturally responsive care and motivational interviewing—in conducting patient intake\, sexual health assessments\, and PrEP education. Our findings offer a replicable model for improving HIV prevention outcomes in diverse communities. By aligning STI testing with HIV prevention strategies and removing access barriers\, we can advance health equity and reduce HIV transmission at the community level.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/no-cost-high-impact-the-power-of-free-sti-clinics-in-driving-prep-usage/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-STIs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T163702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T174002Z
UID:10000154-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Maximizing STI Prevention: Addressing Missed Opportunities for Testing in Contraceptive Care
DESCRIPTION:Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a growing public health concern\, particularly for women and girls\, who experience disproportionately high rates and rising incidence. Barriers such as cost\, transportation and geographic access\, and appointment availability limit access to timely STI care. For those who do access family planning care\, integrating STI testing into comprehensive visits can reduce the need for repeat appointments and improve health and wellbeing. \nUsing the 2015-2019 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG)\, we assessed the prevalence of missed opportunities for STI testing—in other words\, the extent to which those who received contraceptive care in the last year with clinical indications for STI testing\, did not receive it. \nOur analysis found that one in four contraceptive clients for whom testing was warranted did not receive testing. At the bivariate level\, those who paid with public insurance and received care at Title X facilities had lower odds of missed opportunities. However\, after adjusting for covariates\, these factors were no longer significant. Missed opportunities were more likely among adolescents and older clients\, non-Hispanic White clients\, those who are married or cohabitating\, and clients without children. Notably\, receiving patient-centered contraceptive care did not significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a missed opportunity for STI testing. \nFollowing the presentation of these results\, we will engage participants in a discussion to collectively interpret the results\, to explore clinician and patient barriers to initiating testing\, and brainstorm what patient-centered STI care interventions could be implemented in the context of contraceptive care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/maximizing-sti-prevention-addressing-missed-opportunities-for-testing-in-contraceptive-care/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-STIs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T163325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173947Z
UID:10000152-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Michigan’s Approach to Eliminating Hepatitis C Through Telehealth
DESCRIPTION:Michigan’s hepatitis C (HCV) cases have been on the decline since 2022\, due to several coordinated efforts including\, eliminating Medicaid restrictions\, partnering with a pharmaceutical company to offer low-cost direct acting-antivirals (DAA)\, to hiring an academic detailer to educate medical students and providers\, to creating a hepatitis C disease intervention specialist (DIS) program to link individuals to care. Despite these interventions\, access barriers and treatment disparities remain. The HCV Telehealth Treatment Program (HTTP) aims to provide low barrier care while increasing access to evaluation and treatment to all Michiganders. \nIn 2024\, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hired a nurse practitioner (NP) to implement the HTTP. The program was piloted with the MDHHS HCV DIS and recently expanded to receive referrals from syringe service programs and local health departments. The NP is responsible for providing HCV clinical evaluation\, treatment\, care coordination\, and follow-up via telehealth appointments. The HTTP strives to provide low barrier care by providing flexible appointment times outside the standard hours\, 100% telehealth besides lab work\, check-ins and reminders are done by text messaging\, and if individuals need more support or experiencing barriers to treatment and/or treatment adherence they can be referred to the MDHHS HCV DIS. \nThe HTTP received its first referral in July 2025 and since then has received 51 referrals with 24 people having started or completed treatment. The average time from referral to consultation is three days and from consultation treatment starting.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/michigans-approach-to-eliminating-hepatitis-c-through-telehealth/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T163148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173854Z
UID:10000151-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Expanding Treatment Access: Implementing a Pharmacist Led Hepatitis C Treatment Program through Collaborative Drug Therapy Management
DESCRIPTION:The Department of Health and Human Services developed a National Strategic Plan to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. However\, many barriers to accessing care remain. Pharmacists have increasingly played a role in the treatment of HCV and can support patients and care teams with navigating barriers at multiple steps along the care cascade. The Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) model offers a strategy to leverage expertise of embedded pharmacists to improve HCV treatment access and outcomes. Leveraging the CDTM framework\, we launched a pharmacist-led HCV workflow in October 2024 with follow-up evaluation through November 2025. Patients were seen by the pharmacist and infectious diseases physician at the initial visit. Pharmacists evaluated medication adherence\, tolerability and access every four weeks following treatment initiation through end of treatment via phone or in-person visits. Approximately twelve weeks following completion of therapy patients met with the pharmacist to assess sustained virologic response and confirm HCV cure. 25 patients were treated via the HCV CDTM. To date 16 patients have confirmed completion of DAA course and were eligible for SVR12\, of which six (37.5%) have confirmed SVR12 and 10 (62.5%) have not yet returned to care. No patients have had documented treatment failure. This program demonstrates that pharmacists are essential members of the HCV treatment team as they optimize medication selection\, identify and manage drug-drug interactions\, ensure medication access\, facilitate rapid treatment initiation\, and support adherence and follow-up.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/expanding-treatment-access-implementing-a-pharmacist-led-hepatitis-c-treatment-program-through-collaborative-drug-therapy-management/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T162948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173804Z
UID:10000150-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Development and Implementation of an Expedited HCV Treatment Program During Hospitalization
DESCRIPTION:Expanded screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection aims to improve awareness of diagnosis\, yet treatment uptake remains suboptimal due to structural\, social\, and individual-level barriers. People who use drugs face further challenges in accessing HCV treatment due to fragmented care\, stigma\, and limited support. Strategies to overcome these challenges are needed to improve health equity and achieve HCV elimination. We developed a quality improvement pilot project to integrate expedited DAA initiation\, defined as prescribing of DAA during hospital admission. The pilot program launched at two hospitals in Philadelphia on July 1\, 2025\, occurring within a health system that provides default HCV antibody screening with reflex to viral load for all hospitalized adults. All DAA-naive\, non-pregnant adults are considered eligible if they 1) have Pennsylvania medical insurance\, 2) are clinically stable and can make medical decisions\, and 3) planning discharge to a residence or facility allowing safe storage of medication. If a patient is deemed an appropriate candidate following EHR review and bedside evaluation by the ID physicians\, and patient desires expedited treatment\, a DAA prescription is submitted to the onsite outpatient specialty pharmacy and delivered to the inpatient care team for initiation. Housing stability\, safe discharge planning and out-of-state insurance remain significant barriers to HCV treatment.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/development-and-implementation-of-an-expedited-hcv-treatment-program-during-hospitalization/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T162820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173749Z
UID:10000149-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:You Can Do It!: Development and Implementation of a Toolkit to Improve Access to Hepatitis C Treatment in a Community-Based Clinic Setting
DESCRIPTION:A translational research project implemented at a Sacramento County sexual health center to reduce barriers to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. To address elevated prevalence of Hepatitis C in the area\, Sacramento County Public Health’s Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) opted to participate in a research project to develop and implement organizational supports and workflows to improve rates of HCV treatment for patients served in this setting. Over a three-month period the SHC increased HCV treatment rates from zero to 44% of HCV+ patients seen in clinic. This included priority patients living with HCV\, such as people living with HIV\, people engaged in active substance abuse\, and people experiencing housing instability. Challenges to implementation were managed using a continuous quality improvement approach and multidisciplinary collaboration.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/development-and-implementation-of-a-toolkit-to-improve-access-to-hepatitis-c-treatment-in-a-community-based-clinic-setting/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T162630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173733Z
UID:10000148-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Treating Hepatitis C in Syringe Service Programs in Kentucky
DESCRIPTION:The Target4 Project is a collaborative effort between the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Department for Public Health and utilizes braided funding to provide HIV and Hepatitis C screening\, testing\, and education in partnership with 60 syringe services program locations across the state of Kentucky. The positivity rate for point of care Hepatitis C antibody testing in the syringe services program is 23% (2024); the cumulative positivity rate for persons testing positive previously is nearly 50%. Persons who inject drugs face significant barriers in accessing Hepatitis C testing and treatment including transportation\, sobriety requirements by some providers despite allowance by most payors\, stigma\, and medical mistrust among this population. The Target4 project partners with the University of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Care Clinic to integrate Hepatitis C telehealth services into syringe services programs throughout the commonwealth to address access barriers\, improve treatment outcomes\, and progress Hepatitis C elimination efforts in the Commonwealth. This presentation will discuss the process used to integrate telehealth services into the harm reduction environment in partnership with the local health departments\, and share outcomes\, successes\, and lessons learned along the way.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/treating-hepatitis-c-in-syringe-service-programs-in-kentucky/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T162121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173718Z
UID:10000147-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Resilience in the Margins: Empathy\, Leadership\, and the Power of Partnership in Building Health Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:At the height of the opioid epidemic\, small towns across Southeast Ohio faced a rising tide of substance use and overdose yet reported surprisingly low rates of infectious disease. In 2019\, the Southeast Ohio Partnership formed to close this gap by expanding Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and HIV screening across 14 counties. What began as a modest collaboration evolved into a resilient\, flexible\, cross-sector network unified by deep community ties and a shared mission. \nDespite screening fewer than 2% of the intended population in its first year\, the project laid critical groundwork through relationship-building\, centering lived experience and recognizing that in communities where “everybody knows everybody\,” personal connection is infrastructure. Guided by servant leadership and shared leadership\, the partnership grew even amid systemic challenges. \nThis presentation traces the Ohio FOCUS HIV/HCV Partnership evolution\, from early setbacks and outdated policies to transformative progress made possible through adaptive strategies\, including the integration of a mobile testing model in partnership with Central Outreach Wellness Center. The model brought walk-in\, judgment-free care directly to those most at risk\, helping remove barriers to treatment. Additional partners\, such as Ohio University\, enhanced capacity through data coordination and evaluation. \nPresenters will explore how community-rooted leadership and flexible service delivery yielded increased screening\, improved linkage to care\, and a potential framework for health infrastructure. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how trust\, humility\, and shared purpose can transform fragmented services into a coordinated\, patient-centered response to infectious disease in resource-limited settings.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/resilience-in-the-margins-empathy-leadership-and-the-power-of-partnership-in-building-health-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T162003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173702Z
UID:10000146-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Integrated Data Management Systems Accelerate HCV Elimination: Evidence from a US-based Patient Re-engagement Program
DESCRIPTION:Re-engaging individuals who are lost to follow-up (LTFU) is needed to achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the United States. The CDAF-Relink grant funds programs which use data management systems like patient registries to identify and re-engage individuals with HCV who are LTFU.\n\nThis study aims to assess the follow-up eligibility of individuals with HCV presumed LTFU. Pre-contact investigation (PCI) to assess ineligibility\, including due to death or outdated contact information\, was encouraged.  Data came from the patient registries of 23 of 30 grant-funded organizations in different clinical\, community and geographical settings. Data sources included patient\, state\, prison\, and public records.\n\nPCI was completed for 28\,600 individuals between January 2024 and September 2025. The most common data sources were patient (64%) and state health records (30%). Fifty-one percent of presumed LTFU individuals were ineligible for follow-up (Table 1). Undocumented ongoing care\, cure\, or death\, and outdated contact information were the most common ineligibility reason\, occurring in over 80% of ineligible individuals (Table 2). Meanwhile\, 30% of individuals ineligible due to outdated contact information were aged 30-39\, and 23% were aged 40-49.\n\nThe number of presumed LTFU individuals found to be in care or cured suggests poorly integrated patient tracking systems may be obscuring the impact of HCV programs. Meanwhile\, outdated contact information is a notable barrier to re-engagement. Given the labor and time costs of PCI\, improved patient tracking systems will optimize resource utilization for HCV patient re-engagement and overall care coordination.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/integrated-data-management-systems-accelerate-hcv-elimination-evidence-from-a-us-based-patient-re-engagement-program/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T161832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173648Z
UID:10000145-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:HCV (Testing\, Linkage and Treatment) in the Time Before and After COVID in Alabama
DESCRIPTION:In the US and globally\, there have been two secular events exogenous to the HCV epidemic that has impacted HCV negatively. The first is well documented with the accompanying rise in the Opioid epidemic resulting in the uptick in HCV infections particularly among the population younger than the baby boomer generation. The second is the advent of COVID-19 that caused disruptions in testing\, linkage and treatment of people living with Hepatitis C. We showcase the impact COVID 19 had on our testing program in Alabama.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hcv-testing-linkage-and-treatment-in-the-time-before-and-after-covid-in-alabama/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T194051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225227Z
UID:10000215-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Hep C Crash Course: Managing Hepatitis C Treatment in Primary Care Settings
DESCRIPTION:Hepatitis C (HCV) remains a curable yet under-treated infection\, especially in populations impacted by structural inequities such as homelessness\, substance use\, incarceration\, and lack of insurance. Although curative treatments are now simplified\, many primary care providers still feel undertrained\, unsupported\, or unsure how to incorporate HCV treatment into their clinical workflows. This “Hep C Crash Course” is designed to bridge that gap and empower primary care and other community-based providers to confidently screen\, diagnose\, and treat HCV within outpatient settings using a simplified and scalable model. \nThis session provides a five-step roadmap for integrating HCV care into primary care practice. Attendees will learn how to conduct reflex-based screening\, stage fibrosis using labs or portable tools\, select treatment regimens aligned with AASLD-IDSA guidelines\, navigate medication access barriers\, and monitor patients through to sustained virologic response (SVR). \nThe session also addresses the syndemic of HCV\, HIV\, and opioid use disorder\, highlighting strategies to engage patients through trauma-informed care\, harm reduction\, and community partnerships. Special attention will be given to populations often excluded from specialty care\, including people who use drugs\, those experiencing homelessness\, and individuals reentering the community from incarceration. \nParticipants will leave with clinical decision tools\, sample workflows\, and resources to begin or expand HCV treatment in their own clinics and ultimately improving access\, outcomes\, and equity in care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hep-c-crash-course-managing-hepatitis-c-treatment-in-primary-care-settings/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T161503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225155Z
UID:10000143-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:No Missed Opportunities: A Client-Centered Telehealth Model for Hepatitis C in Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Programs
DESCRIPTION:People who use drugs (PWUDs) face structural barriers to access prevention and care for hepatitis C (HCV) infection. While many inpatient substance use treatment programs (ISUTPs) often screen for HCV\, few provide treatment\, leading to missed opportunities for care. This presentation will introduce a client-centered telehealth model\, initiating HCV treatment during detoxification and rehabilitation to enhance early engagement and ensure continuity of care. \nThe New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Viral Hepatitis Program partnered with a hospital-based outpatient program to implement HCV telehealth services at four ISUTPs from May 1\, 2021\, to April 30\, 2024 where care coordination was supported by Community health workers (CHW) onsite. \nOver three years\, 164 clients completed their initial telehealth visits\, with 80% reporting recent injection drug use and 51% being homeless. Treatment initiation rates improved from 51% in Year 1 to 75% in Year 3. While sustained virologic response (SVR) rates highlighted discharge-related challenges\, programmatic refinements included collaboration with an in-house pharmacy for prompt treatment initiation and return-to-care outreach post-discharge. \nThis model demonstrates the feasibility of integrating HCV care within ISUTPs through telehealth and CHWs. It emphasizes the changes implemented to strengthen the care cascade and highlights the potential for broader application in high-risk settings.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/no-missed-opportunities-a-client-centered-telehealth-model-for-hepatitis-c-in-inpatient-substance-use-treatment-programs/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024315
CREATED:20260120T161153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225133Z
UID:10000141-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Findings From a Formative Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Care and Treatment Co-Located in Non-Traditional Service Settings for People Who Use Drugs in New York State
DESCRIPTION:The co-location of HCV care and treatment services in non-traditional healthcare settings could improve HCV-related service uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID). However\, it is still relatively new in the United States compared to other parts of the world\, such as Australia and Europe. In 2018\, New York State (NYS) announced its plan to eliminate HCV as a public health problem by 2030. \nAs part of the initiative\, the state funded HCV Innovative Models of Care Initiative\, aiming to co-locate HCV treatment and care in non-traditional settings where PWID who are currently viremic would feel comfortable\, while receiving various services to remove barriers to initiating and completing HCV treatment. Three programs were funded under this initiative: a) Embedded primary care in the harm reduction drop-in center; b) Stationing a nurse practitioner in a SSP along with utilization of telemedicine for liver and substance use specialty care; and c) Integration of HCV care and treatment at substance use treatment clinics through on-site access to primary care or use of a mobile van. \nUnderstanding that the complexity and segmentation of the healthcare system can pose unique challenges to providing medical care in non-traditional settings in the United States\, a formative evaluation was conducted to assess the feasibility\, acceptability\, and effectiveness\, and whether enrolled clients completed the care cascade measured by four performance indicators: linkage to care\, treatment initiation\, treatment completion\, and achievement of SVR-12. Findings have supported the NYSDOH in making informed decisions about program continuation and potential statewide adaptation.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/findings-from-a-formative-evaluation-of-hepatitis-c-virus-hcv-care-and-treatment-co-located-in-non-traditional-service-settings-for-people-who-use-drugs-in-new-york-state/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR