Target Audience: Anyone at risk for having Hepatitis C – individuals who have had a blood transfusion before 1992, individuals who have tattoos or body piercing, individuals who use IV drugs, individuals who come into contact with blood products, individuals who have blood contact with anyone known to have Hepatitis C.
Eligibility or Criteria: Madison County resident.
Fee: $15
For more information, call (618) 692-8954 ext. 2 or Patty Gabel (618) 296-6090,
Amanda Pruitt (618) 296-6085 or Bob Schoeberle (618) 296-6102.

Description

Testing for Hepatitis C is done through a blood test. Testing is done during regular clinic hours and results are received in about two weeks.

During the testing session, the client is counseled on the modes of transmission for Hepatitis C and given prevention strategies to reduce their personal risk for acquiring the disease.

Hepatitis C testing began in 2001 when the Illinois Department of Public Health began supplying local health departments with testing kits.

Benefits

Clients receive education about the disease. Clients learn ways to reduce their risk of acquiring the disease and ways to prevent the spread of the disease.