The Caring Ambassadors Program uses a unique approach in our work to address the elimination of viral hepatitis and specifically hepatitis C.
Our three main methods to combat hepatitis C are to Empower patients and providers to increase their knowledge of hepatitis C to improve access a cure; to Educate systems and communities on how to integrate viral hepatitis services into existing programming; and to Advocate on behalf of patients and communities to create sound policy, funding and messaging. We are honored to serve the community to help eliminate the largest infectious disease outbreak of our time; we promise to be BOLD in our approach to creating paths to health and making hepatitis C history.
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Hepatitis C News
Week Ending October 21, 2019
Incidence of hospitalization for infection among patients with hepatitis B or C virus infection without cirrhosis in Taiwan: A cohort study
‘Researchers investigated the incidence and mortality related to liver cirrhosis in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and assessed if antiviral therapy could change their infection risk. They conducted a community-based cohort study of a total of 115,336 adults (mean age 52.2 years; 35.6% men) without cirrhosis participating in the New Taipei City Health Screening in 2005–2008.’
Untreated alcohol use disorder in people who inject drugs (PWID) in France: A major barrier to HCV treatment uptake (the ANRS-FANTASIO study)
‘Researchers examined how the arrival of new and well-tolerated HCV treatments (direct-acting antivirals: DAA) has influenced HCV treatment uptake in French PWID compared with former treatments (pegylated interferon-based treatments: Peg-IFN).’
Improving Hepatitis C Care Cascade in IV Drug Users
‘Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain undiagnosed and untreated. Although those born between 1946 and 1964 represent most of the population with chronic HCV infection, persons who inject drugs (PWID) (frequently younger patients) now make up the largest population of new cases of the disease.’
HCV cure improves survival in post-DAA liver cancer development
‘Patients who developed hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving sustained virologic response with interferon-free direct-acting antivirals had a 60% to 70% improvement in 5-year survival compared with untreated patients.’
HCV-Associated Mortality Continues Decline in US, but Gaps Remain
‘Although the overall mortality rate for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has declined, clinicians and public health specialists will have to focus on individuated factors to address populations with lingering barriers to treatment.’
Blood-Borne Viruses: A Path Toward Global Control
‘Major blood-borne viruses — human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) — still present a huge burden on global health today. To achieve worldwide control over HIV, HBV, and HCV by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS approved global strategies to eliminate these viruses as public health issues.’
Verma: Drug ‘innovation doesn’t mean anything’ if it’s too costly
‘CMS Administrator Seema Verma said Thursday that the healthcare system should encourage innovation, but “innovation doesn’t mean anything” if people can’t afford and access new drugs and therapies.’
My Choices© Update
Week Ending October 21, 2019
What Are the Benefits of Turmeric?
“Famed for purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the botanical is hailed for helping a host of conditions. Is that true?”
THE ROAD TO BETTER EXERCISE MIGHT BE IN YOUR PLAYLIST
“Music may be just what you need to stick with an exercise program – and picking the right tunes could even improve performance.”
Massage Therapy Can be Important for Cancer Patients
“Recent research compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association on massage therapy for cancer patients continues to indicate its value for easing pain, reducing nausea, and preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.”
The Power of Song: Why your doctor should be prescribing choir practice
“GPs should prescribe participation in communal singing activities to patients to raise self-esteem and overcome loneliness, a tuneful event at the University of Sussex was told this week.”
Opioid addiction can be overcome with mindfulness, study suggests
“The ancient practice of mindfulness may be a powerful tool in fighting the modern-day epidemic of opioid addiction, new research suggests.”
Medical marijuana popularity surging in Illinois as revisions in law allow greater access for patients
“The medical marijuana program in Illinois is seeing record growth since changes in the law greatly expanded the program and made it easier for patients to participate.”
11 Foods That’ll Boost Your Joint Health and Bone Strength
“As supplements such as collagen and glucosamine grow in popularity, many of us are quickly learning that we don’t need to live in pain from weak bones and creaky joints. Although certain supplements help maintain bone and joint health, the key to keeping your body strong starts in the kitchen. A well-balanced diet focused on key nutrients is the first step in pursuing pain-free running and promoting”
Explore Holistic Therapies in Addiction Treatment
“As addiction treatment evolves, holistic therapies have become increasingly popular in promoting recovery and lasting sobriety.”
This Is the Best Diet to Reduce Your Cancer Risk, According to an Oncologist
“Cancer is a very scary topic, and unfortunately, almost all of us are affected by the disease in some way, whether we know someone who has or had it, or we’ve faced it ourselves. Personally, my father died from the disease. When you have experienced it in some way, you’ll do anything to reduce your own risk (and you’ll push your family and friends to get on board, too).”
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