Baby Boomers make up two thirds of those currently infected with Hepatitis C.  That's about three million people.  The majority do not know they have the virus.  Some do know they are infected, but are reluctant to deal with the problem.  These people may believe Hepatitis C treatment won't work for them, that they can't afford treatment, or that they won't have the confidential and discrete support they need to fight the illness successfully.

But that's not true anymore.   Hepatitis C can be treated and cured...and treatment is getting better every day.   You may have heard that only about 40 percent of patients can get rid of the Hepatitis C virus through treatment.  That was true until this year, when the first new, direct-acting antiviral medicines were approved for use against the Hepatitis C virus.   Now almost 80 percent of Americans treated can be cured.  Treatment is better and easier to tolerate right now!

You should also know that there are programs in New York to help uninsured people get care and treatment for Hepatitis C.  There are additional programs, funded by pharmaceutical companies, to help people without adequate prescription drug insurance get the medicines needed to treat and cure Hepatitis C.   You can find information about these financial assistance programs...and people to talk with, in confidence, about them...on the Patient Assistance page of our website, above (under Resources).

You can also get the confidential support you need to fight and defeat Hepatitis C.  Many people have found the fellowship, information, and help they need through Hepatitis C support groups.  These groups are made up of patients who have joined forces to help one another learn about Hepatitis C and fight it together.   People in Hepatitis C support groups recognize the need to maintain one anothers' privacy.   You can feel certain that your Hepatitis C status will be held in confidence by members of a support group you visit and may choose to particiate in. 

There are a number of Hepatitis C support groups in the five Boroughs of New York City.  There are also support groups in other parts of New York State.  You can find a list of support groups in New York, along with meeting schedules and contact information, on the Hepatitis C Support Group page of our website above (under Resources).

You can find the assistance and support you need to deal with Hepatitis C.  Get tested if you don't know your status.  If you know you are infected, check out the resources and information on our site.  You can treat and defeat Hepatitis C.  Protect your health and your future.

Contact us at HepatitisCMSG@gmail.com if you have questions or need help finding resources.

Thanks,
Dara

Most people aren't aware that you can become infected with Hepatitis C (as well as HIV, Hepatitis B and other serious infections) while getting a tattoo.  Unless careful sanitary procedures are used by a tattoo artist, many viruses and germs can be spread.  These same dangerous infections can be spread through unsanitary body piercings and other practices that involve piercing or breaking the skin.

Even if a tattoo parlor looks clean, you need to be sure that all the following procedures are followed:  only new needles are used; new pots of ink are used for each person; all equipment that isn't new has been properly sterilized; new vinyl or latex gloves are worn by the tattoo artist; surfaces in the tattoo parlor have been disinfected, and fresh tattoos are covered with clean bandages or dressings to prevent infection.

Hepatitis C is spread through direct blood-to-blood contact.  Even a tiny, invisible amount of blood can transmit the virus.  Don't take a risk!  If you want a tattoo, body piercing, or other form of body art, make sure to go to a reputable parlor and ask questions about the procedures used to ensure sanitary conditions and your safety.

Don't be afraid to ask!  Don't put your health at risk for your body art!

Dara

When people are diagnosed with Hepatitis C they often feel alone...and many feel stigmatized by the illness.  They have many questions and need accurate information about Hepatitis C, possible outcomes of the disease, and treatment options.

Patient support groups make it clear that members do not have to deal with Hepatitis C alone.  The groups offer encouragement and companionship, and convey useful information to members.   Meetings provide an opportunity for patients to discuss issues and concerns among peers -- others with the same diagnosis.

Well-run support groups also reinforce compliance with members' medical care and treatment plans...and encourage positive lifestyle choices.  The groups will be especially important as we enter a new, promising era in the treatment of Hepatitis C.  Support groups can help patients follow treatment regimens successfully, and manage the side effects of treatment drugs.

Patient support groups have been shown to be an important element of medical care and treatment.

Well-facilitated support groups help patients manage the disease with knowledge, strength, and fellowship.

You may already recognize the need for a new Hepatitis C (or Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS co-infection) support group in your neighborhood, clinic, or service center.   But you may not know how to go about starting a group and keeping it running. 

If you (or your organization) want to establish a Hepatitis C or co-infection support group, we can help.  The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group, Inc. offers a number of services to new and existing support group leaders/facilitators.  Check out our website (above) and contact Ronni Marks at ronnimarks@nyc.rr.com or 212 953 6818.

Dara