Arizona Hepatitis C Program Background
The Arizona Hepatitis C Program (AzHCP) began in 2000, when the state legislature awarded funds from the Arizona tobacco tax to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for hepatitis C surveillance and prevention. Arizona is estimated to have a hepatitis C (HCV) population of over 100,000. Of these, approximately 30,000 are not aware of their status. This may be due in part because individuals are often asymptomatic until 20 years after their initial infection. With much of Arizona’s HCV infected population unknown, prevention and control is important.

Goals
AzHCP initiatives focus on surveillance, education, vaccination, and integration.

Surveillance
The AzHCP has established a registry to track the incidence, distribution and trends of HCV in Arizona. This resource has been valuable in identifying populations and community needs when planning program activities. ADHS receives around 8,000 HCV positive reports per year; 75% of which are confirmed HCV-infected individuals. As a result, the total number of reported HCV positive individuals has grown to more than 70,000.

Education
The AzHCP provides education to health care professionals as well as information, resources and referrals to infected individuals regarding disease prevention, transmission, management and treatment. To date, AzHCP staff has trained approximately 1,326 professionals through our "Train the Trainer" program on hepatitis C. Education is also provided to those with hepatitis C through telephone counseling, interactive workshops, and educational materials. In addition, the program participates in community and correctional facility health fairs and other events to increase awareness of hepatitis C.

Vaccination
In order to improve the health and quality of life of those with hepatitis C, the AzHCP has provided local and county health departments with free hepatitis A and B vaccine for infected individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Due to limited resources, the vaccines are available while supplies last on a "first come, first serve" basis. Additional federal funding through the Adult Viral Hepatitis B Vaccination Initiative has recently allowed this program to be expanded to include various programs and clinics that serve at-risk individuals, including those who inject drugs and/or present at STD clinics.

Integration
In 2007, the AzHCP integrated their services with ADHS HIV/AIDS and STD Programs to form a new office. The Office of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis C Services (OHSHS) provides services and education for individuals touched by HIV, sexually transmitted disease and viral hepatitis. For example, the OHSHS has partnered with organizations in the community to provide free HCV and HIV testing, as well as hepatitis A and B vaccinations. The AzHCP also maintains its focus on individuals infected with or affected by hepatitis C and their healthcare providers through surveillance, education, prevention and control activities.