In this episode Steph, Naomi and Andy debunk a few of the myths about sexually transmitted diseases or STD’s. You don’t want to miss this one!
Subscribe for more episodes or listen to each one on Spotify, iTunes and other platforms!
Posts Tagged ‘Hepatitis C’
New Podcast Episode: STDs…the Truth Is Out There!
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020PrEP, PEP and Hep A: Podcast Episode
Wednesday, February 5th, 2020In this episode of our new podcast, we discuss what PrEP & PEP are and how they both work. Plus learn about the rise of Hep A here in the Hudson Valley and how to protect yourself against a range of harmful sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
You can also listen to more episodes on Spotify, iTunes and other podcast platforms–subscribe today!
VIDEO: Your Questions About Safer Sex, Answered
Monday, March 18th, 2019
Got questions about the latest ways to reduce your risk for HIV, STDs and hepatitis C? So do lots of our followers. Members of our Education & Prevention Department went live on Facebook to answer them. In this video, we covered PrEP, PEP, how risky certain sexual behaviors are (or not), and how to reach our programs for more services!
Need free testing services? Contact us at (845) 704-7624 — you can call OR text! ? You can also email us to set up an appointment.
Criminal Justice Initiative Now Offering Hep C Linkage & Support
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018Our Criminal Justice Initiative, which provides HIV education and linkage to care for those incarcerated in NY state prisons in Sullivan County, recently received an enhancement to include Hepatitis C (HCV) services.
Our new HCV Linkage Specialist will work with known HCV+ individuals within the correctional facilities, including an action plan for their treatment, working with the medical unit in each prison, and making referrals to medical care. Our staff will also provide transitional planning for those being released from prison so that they can remain linked to care, housing and other services. The Linkage Specialist will identify any barriers that HCV+ incarcerated individuals might have to seeking treatment and help them to overcome those obstacles.
Medical staff within New York State’s Department of Corrections & Community Supervision report large numbers of incarcerated individuals who are HCV+, so we are grateful to be offering this service.
Hepatitis C Basics: Training
Tuesday, March 13th, 2018Course Title: Hepatitis C Basics
Date: March 29th, 2018
Time 9am-5pm, Full Day
Description: This one-day training will offer information about hepatitis C and will cover basic facts about hepatitis A and B.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
- Recall basic facts about the who is affected by hepatitis C in New York State
- Recall basic facts about the functions of the liver
- Describe how hepatitis C is and is not transmitted
- Share information with others about viral hepatitis prevention and harm reduction strategies.
- Recall recommendations regarding who should be screened for hepatitis B and C
- Describe the two-step testing algorithm for hepatitis C
- Recall resources for HCV testing in NYS
- Describe to clients the spectrum of illness for hepatitis C
- Recall key facts about new treatments for hepatitis C and resources for HCV treatment in NYS
- Counsel clients with hepatitis C about the importance of vaccination for hepatitis A and B, avoiding alcohol, good liver health practices and avoiding re-infection
- Recall NYS AIDS Institute HCV Peer Worker competencies
Location: Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS), 40 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne, NY 10532, USA
Region: Mid-Hudson
Instructor: Mike Selick, Kacey Byczek
HVCS Creates New STD Testing Position
Tuesday, February 13th, 2018
Hudson Valley Community Services has responded to the sharp increase in STD infection rates in our area by creating a new staff position dedicated to STD testing. For the first time in our history, we will be able to provide free sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing to anyone who needs it.
Previously we were funded only to provide STD testing to those at high risk or those were had a possible exposure.
“We want to empower everyone to take control of their sexual health,” said HVCS’ Education and Prevention Director, Jennifer Brathwaite. “Our new STD tester allows us to serve more people and connect them to the healthcare and social resources they need.”
We offer urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a blood draw for syphilis, with results in two to seven days. For hepatitis C (and HIV), we perform a finger stick with results available within 20 minutes.
Two common reasons given for the recent rise in STD rates are the widespread use of dating apps, and the advent of PrEP (daily treatment to prevent HIV). Those on PrEP may decide not to use condoms as frequently. Condoms prevent some STDs but not all.
To find out more or to get tested, call Stephanie at (914) 785-8261.
World Hepatitis Day
Tuesday, July 18th, 2017The World Hepatitis Day on 28 July is an opportunity to add momentum to all efforts to implement the WHO’s first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis for 2016-2021 and help Member States achieve the final goal – to eliminate hepatitis.
Eliminate hepatitis
Activities and awareness around World Hepatitis Day are designed to:
- Build and leverage political engagement following official endorsement of the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis at the World Health Assembly 2016.
- Showcase emerging national responses to hepatitis in heavy burden countries.
- Encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
- Highlight the need for a greater global response .
In support of the “Eliminate hepatitis” campaign, WHO will release new information on national responses in 28 countries with the heaviest burden.
11 countries which carry almost 50% of the global burden of chronic hepatitis:
Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, Viet Nam.
17 countries that also have high prevalence and together with the above, account for 70% of the global burden:
Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.
Key messages for World Hepatitis Day
1. Viral hepatitis is a major global health problem and needs an urgent response.
There were approximately 325 million people living with chronic hepatitis at the end of 2015.
Globally, an estimated 257 million people were living with hepatitis B (HBV) infection, and 71 million people were living with hepatitis C (HCV) infection in 2015.
2. Very few of those infected accessed testing and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
By the end of 2015, only 9% of HBV-infected people and 20% of HCV-infected people had been tested and diagnosed. Of those diagnosed with HBV infection, 8% (or 1.7 million people) were on treatment, while 7% of those diagnosed with HCV infection (or 1.1 million people) had started treatment in 2015.
The global targets for 2030 are: 90% of people with HBV and HCV infections tested and 80% of eligible patients are reached with treatment.
3. Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015 – comparable with TB deaths and exceeding deaths from HIV. Hepatitis deaths are increasing.
4. New hepatitis infections continue to occur, mostly hepatitis C.
The number of children under five living with chronic HBV infection was reduced to 1.3% in 2015 (from 4.7% before vaccines were introduced).
Hepatitis B vaccine is preventing approximately 4.5 million infections per year in children.
However, 1.75 million adults were newly infected with HCV in 2015, largely due to injecting drug use and due to unsafe injections in health care settings in certain countries.
5. Achieving the 2030 elimination goal is not overly ambitious; reports from 28 high-burden countries give cause for optimism.
On World Hepatitis Day 2017, WHO is publishing 28 country profiles which show that, despite many challenges, the global effort to eliminate hepatitis is gaining ground. However, major obstacles still remain.
Related links
World Hepatitis Day
Tuesday, July 18th, 2017The World Hepatitis Day on 28 July is an opportunity to add momentum to all efforts to implement the WHO’s first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis for 2016-2021 and help Member States achieve the final goal – to eliminate hepatitis.
Eliminate hepatitis
Activities and awareness around World Hepatitis Day are designed to:
- Build and leverage political engagement following official endorsement of the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis at the World Health Assembly 2016.
- Showcase emerging national responses to hepatitis in heavy burden countries.
- Encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
- Highlight the need for a greater global response .
In support of the “Eliminate hepatitis” campaign, WHO will release new information on national responses in 28 countries with the heaviest burden.
11 countries which carry almost 50% of the global burden of chronic hepatitis:
Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, Viet Nam.
17 countries that also have high prevalence and together with the above, account for 70% of the global burden:
Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.
Key messages for World Hepatitis Day
1. Viral hepatitis is a major global health problem and needs an urgent response.
There were approximately 325 million people living with chronic hepatitis at the end of 2015.
Globally, an estimated 257 million people were living with hepatitis B (HBV) infection, and 71 million people were living with hepatitis C (HCV) infection in 2015.
2. Very few of those infected accessed testing and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
By the end of 2015, only 9% of HBV-infected people and 20% of HCV-infected people had been tested and diagnosed. Of those diagnosed with HBV infection, 8% (or 1.7 million people) were on treatment, while 7% of those diagnosed with HCV infection (or 1.1 million people) had started treatment in 2015.
The global targets for 2030 are: 90% of people with HBV and HCV infections tested and 80% of eligible patients are reached with treatment.
3. Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015 – comparable with TB deaths and exceeding deaths from HIV. Hepatitis deaths are increasing.
4. New hepatitis infections continue to occur, mostly hepatitis C.
The number of children under five living with chronic HBV infection was reduced to 1.3% in 2015 (from 4.7% before vaccines were introduced).
Hepatitis B vaccine is preventing approximately 4.5 million infections per year in children.
However, 1.75 million adults were newly infected with HCV in 2015, largely due to injecting drug use and due to unsafe injections in health care settings in certain countries.
5. Achieving the 2030 elimination goal is not overly ambitious; reports from 28 high-burden countries give cause for optimism.
On World Hepatitis Day 2017, WHO is publishing 28 country profiles which show that, despite many challenges, the global effort to eliminate hepatitis is gaining ground. However, major obstacles still remain.
Related links
Hepatitis C Listening Session
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017Join us for a Hepatitis C Listening Session Newburgh
VOCAL is coming to your community. Please join us to assure that our movement for hepatitis C elimination in New York State uplifts the voices of and reflects the message of the communities hit hardest by this epidemic:
7/18: Newburgh, 2-4PM: Register Here!
Hudson Valley Community Services- 280 Broadway
Newburgh, NY 12550
Contact Mary Taylor with questions at (207) 462-3511 or mary@vocal-ny.org
The goal of these sessions is to:
- Bring people living with HCV, public health officials, local representatives, community advocates, and other members of the public together
- Hold informed discussions on what is needed to eliminate hepatitis C in our state and our regional communities.
What is the state of hepatitis C in New York State:
- Half of the 200,000+ New Yorkers living with hepatitis C (HCV) do not yet know their status and new infections are skyrocketing statewide.
- New York City is no longer the epicenter of the epidemic; 51.2% of new cases were diagnosed outside of NYC.
- Not only the location but the population affected has changed; the opioid epidemic has led to steep increases in HCV infection among 20- to 39-year-olds.
To address this epidemic:
- 94 New York-based public health experts, service providers, and government representatives came together at the first in the nation Hepatitis C Elimination Summit in New York State on February 7, 2017
- Following this incredibly successful summit, 130 organizations signed on their support for the Consensus Statement on Hepatitis C Elimination in New York State.
Join VOCAL-NY in the fight to eliminate hepatitis C in New York, by attending one of these sessions. We hope you can join us and help us spread the word!
Contact Mary Taylor with questions at (207) 462-3511 or mary@vocal-ny.org
Thank you,
Mary Taylor
Statewide Organizer
VOCAL-NY
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017