We have the tools to eliminate viral hepatis in the United States, including highly effectively vaccines against hepatitis A and B, harm reduction strategies that can prevent half of hepatitis C cases, and curative treatments for hepatitis C that can prevent deaths and further transmission. However, cases of hepatitis A and C continue to rise and progress against hepatitis B has stalled, due to social and structural barriers that limit access to hepatitis services and insufficient funding for health department hepatitis programs.

For Hepatitis Awareness Month 2021, NACCHO hosted a webinar highlighting how state and local health departments in Pennsylvania are mobilizing partners to eliminate viral hepatitis and tackle the syndemic of viral hepatitis, HIV and other STIs, and substance use. The webinar included an overview of hepatitis elimination across the US, including the critical role played by local health departments, followed by a deeper dive into hepatitis elimination in Pennsylvania. Speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Allegheny County Health Department (Pittsburgh), Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and their local and community partners shared how they collaborate across jurisdictions and highlighted strategies for the micro-elimination of viral hepatitis among pregnant people, people who use drugs, and people living with HIV.

Access the recording here and slides here.

Speakers included, in order of appearance:

• Overview of the Role of Local Health Departments in Hepatitis Elimination
  • Kat Kelley, Senior Program Analyst, HIV, STI, & Viral Hepatitis, NACCHO
    
• Overview of Hepatitis Elimination Planning in Pennsylvania
  • Melissa Hobkirk, Viral Hepatitis Prevention, Policy, and Community Outreach Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
  • Jen Fiddner, Epidemiologist, Allegheny County Health Department
  • Lauren Orkis, Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of Health
    
• Hepatitis Micro-Elimination Efforts:
  • Eliminating Perinatal Hepatitis C
    • Rachael Bieltz, CDC Public Health Consultant, Allegheny County Health Department
    • Emily Waterman, Perinatal Hepatitis C Epidemiologist, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
  • Eliminating Hepatitis Among People Who Use Drugs
    • Aaron Arnold, Executive Director, Prevention Point Pittsburgh
    • Stacey Trooskin, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Viral Hepatitis Programs, Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers
  • Eliminating HIV and Hepatitis Co-Infection
    • Eman Addish, Viral Hepatitis Program Epidemiologist, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
    • Divya Venkat, Center for Health Inclusion, Allegheny Health Network