The Hepatitis C Continuity Program is a program for NYSDOCS inmates who are under treatment for hepatitis C. The program promotes treatment completion by collaborating with the DOCS, NYSDOH, NYS Division of Parole, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation and other community based healthcare providers. The program involves multiple pre-release activities that involve the DOCS which identifies inmates who might not be able to complete their hepatitis C treatment due to length of their incarceration, DOCS also verifies geographic areas for release, coordinates pre-release plans with the parole officers, meets with the inmates to explain options of continuity and provides guidance with necessary enrollment paperwork. DOCS also ensure enough medications (Ribavirin) are supplied to releasees upon discharge and arranges for shipment of a two-week supply of the other treatment medication (PEG Interferon) to receiving healthcare providers, while Medicaid or other coverage is being arranged. There are also connections made with the community-based healthcare provider to confirm completion of paperwork to establish Medicaid eligibility if applicable, to make medical appointments, to inform appropriate medical staff regarding the administration of the medications and to collaborate with the community parole officer to contact the patient if an initial appointment is missed. Parole officers play an important role in encouraging releasees to keep appointments and in assessing for any supportive services.

There are challenges with this program that include lack of staff and releasee knowledge about hepatitis C, changing release dates, lack of medical providers willing to provide care to releasees, missed appointments and difficulties with reinstating Medicaid. There is, however, monitoring and evaluation in place to identify problems and to evaluate progress. Future plans include implementing protocols and new forms, a statewide video conference with DOCS and the parole staff, recruitment of additional providers and partnering with New York City DOH.