Enhancing Access to Hepatitis C Care
Expanding access to care is at the heart of our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.
Hepatitis C remains a significant challenge in our region. Dr. Mariana Gomez from the Infectious Disease team is helping to change that.
Through a partnership with the Community Education Group, the Hepatitis C Care program is broadening opportunities for diagnosis and treatment by empowering clinicians through specialized training.
A free, 4-hour, self-paced training course is available to help physicians and advanced care providers confidently manage hepatitis. They receive 4 Continuing Medical Education credits and can access specialist guidance through the Hepatitis C e-consult in Epic. Additionally, clinicians learn HIV prevention as part of the training.
Making this education easily accessible to physicians in Southwest Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky will help more patients in these areas to receive effective care from clinicians in primary care and other specialties, improving outcomes across the community. Today, hepatitis C is not just treatable—it is curable, usually with a short course of oral medication.
Because hepatitis C can remain silent for years, national guidelines now recommend universal screening for adults. By increasing clinician training and community awareness of screening recommendations and advanced treatment options, we are breaking down barriers—such as stigma—and making care more accessible. These efforts support early diagnosis, successful treatment, and better health for everyone.
About Hepatitis C and HIV
Hepatitis C is a viral infection causing liver inflammation, which can result in serious damage. It spreads through contact with infected blood.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) destroys immune cells, making it difficult to fight disease. Severe infection leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
To learn more and enroll in the free 4-hour virtual training course, visit CarilionClinic.org/HCV-Training-Program.
The Infectious Diseases team launched a new Hepatitis C mobile unit.
By bringing care directly to patients, this effort reduces barriers like transportation, time, and stigma. The unit helps patients connect with a physician and receive guidance and information right at their home, bringing the care directly to where it is needed most.
This Wow Wall post has more details.
Hepatitis C remains a significant challenge in our region, with a limited treatment capacity among clinicians.
Through the Hepatitis C Care program, we are strengthening access by equipping clinicians to treat—most patients can be managed in primary care and other specialties.
In partnership with the Community Education Group, we offer a free, 4-hour virtual training for clinicians (CarilionClinic.org/HCV-Training-Program).
Clinicians also have access to specialist guidance via the Hepatitis C (ID HEP-C) e-consult in Epic.
