CareReach offers care coordination for individuals diagnosed with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Through partnerships with public health agencies, medical providers, harm reduction programs and more, the role of Hepatitis C Bridge Counselor is to support individuals from “care to cure”. Whether an individual is newly diagnosed or has started Hepatitis C treatment, Bridge Counseling is available to assist individuals in navigating care and addressing barriers that may interfere with their continuity in treatment.
Details and Benefits
- Services are voluntary, confidential, and free. Individuals will need to sign a Consent to Participate in Bridge Counseling and a Release of Information for the Bridge Counselor to communicate with their medical provider(s) and other agency providers if needed.
- Individuals are eligible regardless of insurance type or uninsured.
- Participation includes an initial face-to-face assessment with follow-up contacts by phone. The Bridge counselor will accompany individuals to appointments if requested.
- Program benefits include support in problem solving barriers to successful treatment and assistance accessing needed community resources, including transportation options, a frequently cited barrier. (Please note that CareReach does not provide transportation).
Areas Served
Serving Buncombe County residents. If you have an individual living in another county, please feel free to call and the Bridge Counselor will facilitate the referral to the Bridge Counselor in that county, if one is available, or assist in locating treatment for the individual.
How to Make a Referral
Referrals are accepted through self-referral, community agencies, and medical providers. To make a referral, please complete the referral form and fax to 828-398-2734 or call CareReach at 828-772-4719.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C, or Hep C, is a blood borne infection of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus. For some people, Hep C is a short-term illness, but for more than 50% of people who become infected, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. People with chronic hepatitis C can live for years without symptoms or feeling sick. An estimated 2.4 million people are living with Hep C in the United States, but many don’t know they are infected. Left untreated, Hep C can lead to serious health problems including liver disease, liver cancer and even death.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but a simple blood test can tell you if you have ever been infected with the virus.
Hepatitis C can be cured. Treatments are available that can cure most people in 8 to 12 weeks. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have Hep C. Talk to your doctor or call your Local Health Department for testing.
Additional Info and Resources:
- NC Department of Health and Human Service, Division of Public Health
- Help 4 Hep - A free and confidential information, support and referral line staffed by peers. Call 877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- NC Health Drug User Resource Guide
- If you are a medical provider and would like to learn more about treating Hepatitis C, you will find information about the NC Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program here.