Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition
Grant Summary:
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading infectious disease killer in the United States (killing more Americans than the next 60 leading infectious diseases combined, including influenza and HIV/AIDS), and when untreated, leads to liver cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. Injection drug use (especially of heroin and other opioids) is the leading risk factor for contracting HCV, but many barriers prevent IV drug users from receiving HCV screening and treatment, including disengagement from the health care system due to stigma, discrimination, and difficulty navigating system complexities. The proposed project will use an innovative peer service delivery model to provide HCV testing, linkage to treatment, and intensive case management to eliminate structural barriers to care for marginalized communities of IV drug users.