REGION – Central Michigan District Health Department offers vaccines for hepatitis A and B along with free screening and testing for hepatitis C. World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes place every year on July 28 and brings the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. If left untreated, it may progress from acute to chronic, and may even cause lifelong infection leading to serious liver damage or liver cancer with symptoms only showing when complications develop. There are at least 5 different types of hepatitis (A-E); the three most common in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In recognition of World Hepatitis Day, Central Michigan District Health Department will be offering free hepatitis C testing at their Clare County branch office in Harrison on July 28th from noon until 3pm. Walk-ins are welcomed.
In 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,412 new chronic hepatitis C diagnoses. From 2010 through 2021, the proportion of all chronic hepatitis C cases by year in adults under 40 years old has nearly doubled (from 22% in 2010 to 40% in 2021). A concurrent increase in heroin use has been evident in the same timeframe. The opioid epidemic has impacted both young males and females resulting in more perinatal hepatitis C cases. (Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
Central Michigan District Health Department offers free syringe services through their Syringe Service Program, Exchange Central. Through Exchange Central, individuals can access free HIV and hepatitis C testing, resources and referrals for substance use disorder, training in overdose prevention with Narcan, basic wound care supplies, and other sterile equipment to help decrease the spread of infectious infections like HIV and hepatitis C.
For more information on hepatitis, assistance with scheduling a vaccine appointment, or testing for hepatitis C, contact any of the Central Michigan District Health Department locations or visit our website at www.cmdhd.org.
