95%
of Hepatitis C (HCV) cases are curable with proper treatment
Only 44%
of British Columbians are aware of
their status
Up to
85%
of new cases occur within people who inject drugs
Why Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (HCV) disproportionately affects those who are facing poverty, homelessness and/or mental health problems - vulnerable populations who have historically faced high levels of stigma and discrimination within the health care system.
Engaging inner-city populations in accessible and innovative methods like our Mobile Pop-Up Community Clinics, will be needed if Canada is to reach
the goal of HCV elimination by 2030.
The journey to eliminating HCV will help strengthen the public health system simultaneously, including:
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Harm Reduction Strategies
Harm reduction strategies are often developed in conjunction with HCV treatment plans to prevent the spreading of the virus and of reinfection.
These strategies could help combat the opioid overdose crisis that affects the inner-city population disproportionately in Vancouver.
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Linkage to Care
Many individuals in inner-city populations are disengaged with the healthcare system.
HCV-positive individuals often have untreated comorbidities and primary healthcare needs that could be addressed through
HepConnect's mobile clinics.
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Building a New Normal
There is a lack of health care approach to serve inner-city populations.
HepConnect will help bridge data gaps and build evidence to prove the benefits and impacts of a multidisciplinary, stigma-free approach that is adapted to suit the population it serves.
In 2014, Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC) initiated the Community Pop-Up Clinic (CPC) model as a unique solution to help meet public health objectives for HIV and HCV control and elimination.
We cannot be more excited to be working in partnership with such an experienced team to bring a new normal to vulnerable communities.
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6+ years of experience with Community Pop-Up clinics
Over 1,000 individuals diagnosed with HCV
Over 64 community sites visited
Let's Get Started
Here's a list of equipment that will allow HepConnect to kickstart our mobile Pop-Up Clinics.
FibroScan™
Point-of-care device to deliver liver assessments for HCV patients prone to the development of
chronic liver diseases.
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Professional Team
Each mobile clinic team will comprise of a physician, nurses, social worker and other support staff.
Mobile Clinic Van
A mobile clinic will enable us to reach more of
the vulnerable inner-city communities to administer testing
and treatment.