Health Services Kentucky Cabinet for

Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Prevention Funding for Health Departments - the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) Is Committed to Building a Robust Viral Hepatitis Program (VHP) to Develop, Expand, and Oversee Prevention and Surveillance Efforts for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. CDC-RFA-PS17-1702 and CDC-RFA-PS17-1703 Afforded KDPH the Opportunity to Start a VHP. the Program Has Grown Substantially Since 2019 and KDPH Now Has Staff Capacity Better Matched to the High Burden of Hepatitis in Kentucky. VHP Will Prioritize Enhanced Surveillance That Approximates the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Examines Co-infection With Hiv, Identifies Populations Most At-risk of Hepatitis Infection and Outbreaks, and Builds Continuums of Care for Kentuckians Living With Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These Data Will Be the Foundation for Targeting Outreach and Prevention Efforts, Augmenting Provider Education, Improving Access to Linkage to Care and Patient Navigation, and, Ultimately, Focusing Hepatitis Elimination Planning. the Program Will Engage Individuals With Lived Experience in Ways That Do Not Tokenize or Exploit But, Rather, Provide Insight That Informs Program Efforts and Is an Enriching, Productive Experience for the Participants. the VHP Is Committed to Avoiding Silos and Working Collaboratively With Hiv, Harm Reduction, and Behavioral Health to Approach Elimination in a Way That Doesn?t Only Prevent Liver Disease, But That Improves Overall Health and Well-being for People Who Use Drugs, People Living With Hepatitis, and People Living With Hiv.