Texas statewide hepatitis C counseling and testing, 2000-2005.
In 1999, the Texas legislature funded a statewide hepatitis C education and prevention program. Hepatitis training was incorporated into training for all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted disease (STD), and substance abuse counselors. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) counseling and HCV-antibody (anti-HCV) testing services were integrated into 20 HIV/STD service provider programs. Hepatitis C counseling and testing became available in 2000. Through 2005, 38,717 tests were administered, with 8,964 (23.2%) anti-HCV positive. Injection drug use was reported by 7,105 people (79.3%) who tested positive. In Texas, a state-initiated and almost entirely state-funded program supported statewide HCV counseling and anti-HCV testing among high-risk adults.
Heseltine
Gary
G
Infectious Disease Control Unit, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX, USA. gary.heseltine@dshs.state.tx.us
McFarlane
Jenny
J
D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology