In 2008, the Executive Budget included $1,580,000 for the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to establish a Comprehensive Hepatitis C Program in NYS, which will allow for early identification, increased access to care and treatment and education for those at-risk for or infected with hepatitis C. This funding will be used to:

• Enhance access to HCV medical care and treatment,

• Increase access to free HCV screening/testing, and

• Provide HCV education and training through social marketing and materials development.

The Hepatitis C Community in NYS recognizes that this funding is not enough to address this growing epidemic. The Hepatitis C Community is requesting that monies unspent by April 1, 2009 be re-appropriated in the 2009-2010 budget and an additional $2.5 Million be included in the 2009/2010 budget to continue to address the following priority areas:

1. Establish Integrated Models of Care Utilizing Community Health Centers:

• Community health centers are present in nearly every region of the state and are in the best position to provide comprehensive services to those at risk for hepatitis C. Funding will establish hepatitis C outreach, staff training and support. This will help increase access to HCV care and treatment by providing HCV medical management, treatment and supportive services in one convenient location.

• Funding for substance abuse treatment providers to support a) integration of hepatitis C testing and treatment, prevention, education and support; and b) training and capacity-building to increase the number and competency of substance abuse treatment providers to address hepatitis C among their patients.

• Funding for HIV/AIDS service organizations and health care facilities to support a) integration of hepatitis C testing and treatment, prevention, education and support; and b) training and capacity-building to increase the number and competency of community-based HIV organizations and HIV/AIDS health care providers in addressing hepatitis C among their patients.

2. Expansion of HCV screening programs

• It is vital that community based organizations throughout New York State have access to funding that will enable them to deliver targeted awareness and screening events. The CBOs are in the best position to deliver these services and will augment the expanded efforts by community health centers to provide an access point for hepatitis C screening, testing and if appropriate, treatment and support.

3. Resources for enhanced hepatitis C surveillance

• Identification of those who are infected and investigation in to the source of the infection is critical to stopping the progression of disease and halting the spread of the virus to others. Resources are necessary to conduct appropriate surveillance for chronic hepatitis C in order to obtain accurate incidence and prevalence data and to monitor prevention activities.

4. Development of a referral directory

• The development of a referral network and directory is necessary for timely and appropriate referrals for medical care, treatment and support services.