OIDP Travels to Cherokee Nation in Support of Hepatitis C, HIV, and Syphilis Elimination
Topics
Summary:
The Hepatitis C Engagement and Linkage Program (HELP) uses a syndemic approach to address hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis in vulnerable populations. OIDP staff visited Cherokee Nation to learn about the program's progress and future plans.
The Hepatitis C (HCV) Engagement and Linkage Program (HELP) focuses on expanding hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis screening and care by moving services beyond the clinical setting into community-based environments. HELP was launched in September 2023 through the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy’s (OIDP) cooperative agreement on the Evaluation of Linkage to Care Programs in Support of Hepatitis C Elimination. This program takes a syndemic approach and meets people who are most vulnerable to hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis where they are, ensuring that people at risk are connected with the health care they need.
Recently, OIDP’s Dr. Jessica Deerin, PhD, Viral Hepatitis Policy Advisor, and Darcy Cherlin, MPH, Public Health Analyst visited Cherokee NationExit Disclaimer in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to learn about the HELP program. In its first year, the program partnered with community programs, including the Cherokee Nation Harm Reduction Program, Peaceful Warrior’s Way, Muskogee Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic, and Tahlequah Men’s Shelter. During the visit, Dr. Deerin and Ms. Cherlin met with Dr. Jorge Mera, Director of Infectious Diseases for Cherokee Nation Health Services, and the HELP team to discuss the results of year one.
HELP offers point-of-care (POC) testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C antibody in community settings. People who test positive are linked to a healthcare provider through telehealth for confirmatory testing and care. In year two, Cherokee Nation plans to expand testing sites to additional community partners and use POC hepatitis C RNA testing, which will reduce the need for a separate confirmatory test, improving timeliness and accessibility of care.
Sierra Lewis, a community health representative, shared a powerful example of HELP's impact:
"A young man who had recently tested reactive for hepatitis C was in a tough spot—homeless and without reliable transportation, he faced enormous obstacles in accessing care. Recognizing his vulnerable situation, we acted swiftly to set up a telehealth appointment with a provider. During this virtual visit, he was able to connect with the care he needed. He not only completed the necessary blood work but also began his treatment for hepatitis C by the next day.”
HELP is also exploring incentives for testing and gathering feedback to identify common barriers to care, such as transportation, time constraints, work obligations, and stigma. This information helps the program continuously improve its processes to serve participants better.
Dr. Deerin praised Cherokee Nation's efforts: “Cherokee Nation is on the path to hepatitis C elimination, and it was inspiring to observe their dedication to improving the lives of the people in their community.”
As HELP continues into its second year, the program remains focused on removing barriers, expanding testing, and providing timely treatment to those most in need, making a lasting impact in the fight against hepatitis C and related health issues.