Promoting HCV treatment completion for prison inmates: New York State's hepatitis C continuity program.
This article describes the development of a statewide program providing continuity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment to prisoners upon release to the community. We discussed length of stay as a barrier to treatment with key collaborators; developed protocols, a referral process, and forms; mobilized staff; recruited heath-care facilities to accept referrals; and provided short-term access to HCV medications for inmates upon release. The Hepatitis C Continuity Program, including 70 prisons and 21 health-care facilities, is a resource for as many as 130 inmates eligible to start treatment annually. Health-care facilities provide fairly convenient access to 87.1% of releasees, and 100% offer integrated HCV-human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome care. As of March 2006, 24 inmates had been enrolled. The program was replicated in the New York City Rikers Island jail. The program is operational statewide, referrals sometimes require priority attention, and data collection and other details are still being addressed.
Klein
Susan J
SJ
New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, Albany, NY, USA. sjk06@health.state.ny.us
Wright
Lester N
LN
Birkhead
Guthrie S
GS
Mojica
Benjamin A
BA
Klopf
Linda C
LC
Klein
Laurence A
LA
Tanner
Ellen L
EL
Feldman
Ira S
IS
Fraley
Edward J
EJ
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D008484:Medicaid / Q000458:organization & administration; D009518:New York; D011330:Prisons / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*
D000998:Antiviral Agents