NC HCV/HIV Harm Reduction Program
In February 2008, the Consortium was one of three agencies awarded the NC HCV/HIV Harm Reduction Program from the NC Communicable Disease Branch to, "provide training and capacity building to health care providers who see patients at risk for HIV and HCV and to provide outreach to persons infected with or at risk of infection with HIV/HCV." The Consortium is part of a state-wide collaborative including the NC State Hepatitis C Coordinator (S Thompson), the NC Harm Reduction Coalition and the Western NC AIDS Project. This new legislatively appropriated funding extends through March 2011. A collaborative approach between the three funded agencies is working to reduce risk of infection of both HIV and HCV and to integrate HCV care into clinical practices through professional training and education.
This program provides HIV and HCV harm reduction programs as follows: (1) community outreach focusing initially in Durham; (2) capacity building activities covering NC planning regions 4 (Raleigh), 5 (Fayetteville), and 6 (Greenville); and (3) support for statewide partnership activities of those organizations involved in the NC HIV/HCV Harm Reduction program.
Community Outreach. The Consortium employs part-time staff who are experienced in conducting community outreach activities and who are familiar with identified target populations, specifically intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and African American men and women. Initial efforts will target Durham, NC and will expand to surrounding areas. Outreach activities include providing information and education on safe syringe use, risk reduction behaviors, and linking to community resources. Outreach locations include treatment centers, clinics, shelters, and housing projects.
Capacity Building takes place with provider agencies to address systemic barriers to integration of HCV and harm reduction techniques into existing clinical operations. Strategies include assessment, evaluation, resource development, and practice management/practice change strategies. The Consortium also supports state-wide capacity-building efforts through the NC Communicable Disease Branch, NC State Hepatitis C Coordinator, and the State Hepatitis C Task Force.
Provider Training and Education is provided to health and medical providers, substance abuse professionals, and/or mental health providers within the designated geographic regions. Training utilizes curricula and training plans reviewed by the NC Communicable Disease Branch.
Other key partners in this prgram are the North Carolina State Hepatitis C Coordinator, the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coaltion, and the Western North Carolina AIDS Project.
