Why Should I Take This Course?

• Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States. Approximately 4 million Americans have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).



• Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that HCV is now endemic among injection drug users, resulting from such behaviors as sharing syringes and other drug paraphernalia.



• Over the past decade, injection drug use has become the major transmission mode of HCV in the United States, accounting for at least 60 percent of transmitted cases.



• Because of the serious medical consequence that can result from hepatitis C infection, programs serving substance abusers need to be able to inform their clients about HCV infection and counsel them on appropriate responses to the risk of HCV.



• Addiction treatment providers can enhance their treatment services by becoming informed about hepatitis C and its effects, modes of transmission and risk factors, testing and treatment options, and prevention messages.