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Due to recent budgetary
constraints the Hope Clinic for Hepatitis C Treatment will not be
accepting any new clients. All clients currently enrolled in the
program will continue to be served until they complete their course
of treatment. The Charlotte County Health Department regrets the
loss of this very valuable service to the community. For any question, please use the Contact Us tab above, or call (941)
639-1181 ext. 2227. |
General Information & FAQ
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What is the HOPE Clinic?
The HOPE Clinic is a
treatment program for individuals infected with chronic Hepatitis C.
There are several types of hepatitis. This clinic provides
treatment for Hepatitis C only.
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What is
Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a disease that
causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Hepatitis is sometimes
caused by toxins, drugs, alcohol, or hereditary health conditions.
Hepatitis can also be caused by a microorganism such as a virus.
The HOPE Clinic treats viral Hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis C
Virus (HCV).
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Aren’t there
different types of viral hepatitis?
Yes. The table below explains
some of the differences and similarities between Hepatitis A, B, and
C.
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I think I’m at
risk. How can I get tested for Hepatitis?
The HOPE Clinic only accepts
clients who are already diagnosed with Hepatitis C. However, you
can get tested for Hepatitis at any of our
clinic sites.
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If I have one
type of hepatitis, am I immune to the others?
NO! Each type of viral hepatitis
is caused by a different virus. Being infected by one does NOT
protect you from being infected by the others.
But there is a vaccine for
Hepatitis A and B. Being immunized can protect you from being
infected by these two viruses. There is NO vaccine for Hepatitis C.
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How much does it
cost to participate in the HOPE Clinic?
Although the clinic is designed
to provide affordable treatment for Hepatitis C, the HOPE Clinic is
not free. Much of the labwork and medications
are free, thanks to donations and community partnerships. Clients
will be responsible for paying for other services such as clinic
visits based on a sliding fee scale. Clients must complete a
financial screening with the Health Department to determine their
fee category.
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Who should come
to the HOPE Clinic?
The HOPE Clinic is for
individuals infected with Hepatitis C who do not have other access
to treatment. Many of our HOPE Clinic clients do not have health
insurance or need financial assistance to help pay for their
treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars.
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What are the
criteria for enrollment in the HOPE Clinic?
There are strict criteria for
acceptance into the HOPE Clinic. Not everyone who is interested
will be accepted into the program. Because of limited funding, we
are only able to accept a small group of clients each month. Clients
most likely to be selected for enrollment are those individuals who
meet the program criteria and those who will be truly committed to
the treatment program.
Some of the criteria are:
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No drinking! Not even socially. Not even sometimes.
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No drug use. (Clean for at least 6 months)
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Must attend Hepatitis C Support Group meetings which are held the
first Tuesday of every month the Port Charlotte Cultural Center, 7
pm.
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Participate in Hepatitis C education programs. (Schedule can be
obtained at the HOPE Clinic)
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Use birth control.
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Must be free of health conditions that may interfere or worsen with
treatment such as:
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Advanced, decompensated liver disease
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Thyroid disease
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Uncontrolled autoimmune disorders
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Pre-existing mental health conditions, such as untreated depression
or severe anxiety
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Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
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Must keep all appointments. Labwork may be required as often as
every week. You must be flexible enough to make appointments as
needed to monitor your progress while on treatment.
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Can I use the
HOPE Clinic for my other health issues?
No. The HOPE Clinic is for
Hepatitis C treatment only. You must have a primary care provider
to address your other medical needs.
If you do not have a provider,
you may enroll in primary care through the CCHD clinic.
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Does the HOPE
Clinic accept residents of other counties?
Yes, we can accept non-Charlotte
County residents. However, these clients must pay for their
own labwork which can be very costly. In addition,
out-of-county residents are responsible for their own transportation
to the HOPE Clinic.
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What treatment
for Hepatitis C does the HOPE Clinic offer?
The HOPE Clinic provides
Hepatitis C treatment that usually involves 2 medications.
Interferon is an injectable medication taken once a week. Ribavirin
is a pill taken twice a day. Treatment is a commitment. Clients can
expect to have regular clinic appointments for 6 months to over a
year. Treatment does not work for everyone. Success can depend on
the HCV genotype (or strain) but ranges from
40-80%.
If treatment does not
appear to be effective, clients may be asked to discontinue drug
therapy.
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Does the HOPE
Clinic provide liver biopsies or transplants?
No. Unfortunately, the HOPE
Clinic is unable to provide liver biopsies, ultrasounds, surgery,
transplants, or other advanced procedures. We can, however, refer
clients to other clinics that provide these services.
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What are the
side effects of Hepatitis C treatment?
Treatment for Hepatitis C can be
very difficult for some individuals. Some people experience
flu-like symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
depression, changes in blood cell counts, and anemia. Side effects
subside the longer therapy is continued, but dealing with them can
be very difficult. The HOPE Clinic offers various methods of
support to help clients on treatment.
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I’m interested
in enrolling in the HOPE Clinic. What should I do next?
1.)
Take care of your liver.
Stop drinking alcohol, if you have not done so already. Refrain
from taking drugs. Monitor what you put in your body as it may
affect your liver. This includes smoking, diet, medications, and
other substances.
2.)
Take care of your body.
Make an appointment to have a physical if you have not had one in
the past 12 months. Check to see if you have underlying health
conditions that may interfere with Hepatitis C treatment.
3.)
Find support. Join the
Charlotte County Hepatitis C Support Group. It meets the 1st
Tuesday of every month at 7 pm in the Charlotte Cultural Center.
Bring friends, family, and other loved ones.
4.)
Get
educated. Learn about
your liver and how it functions in your body. Learn about Hepatitis
C treatment and what it involves. Look on-line starting with the
links
below, or contact CCHD for resources.
5.)
Gather your medical records.
You will need to bring labwork showing when you were diagnosed with
Hepatitis C. Also, if you have been on treatment before, bring
medical records related to the treatment.
6.)
Assess your readiness for treatment.
Clients must be physically and mentally stable to start Hepatitis C
treatment. Click
here
(.doc/ 146.5 kb) to complete our assessment tool.
7.)
Make an appointment.
Call 639-1181 extension 2255 or
2244.
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Where is the
HOPE Clinic located?
The HOPE Clinic is located at our
Punta Gorda site. Clients are responsible for their own
transportation to the clinic.
514 E. Grace Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
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How can I get
more information about the HOPE Clinic?
Call 639-1181 extension 2255 or 2244.
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How was the HOPE
Clinic started in Charlotte County?
The
HOPE Clinic is a collaborative effort between CCHD, St. Vincent
DePaul Community Pharmacy, the Charlotte County Medical Society, and
private drug companies. After recognizing the burden of Hepatitis C
in Charlotte County and the cost barriers to treatment, these
agencies wanted to provide this much-needed program in an affordable
way. It is a true example of community partners working together to
meet the needs of our community.
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Am I a Candidate for Treatment?
Complete this
quiz
(.doc / 146.5 kb).
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Links
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/aids/hep/index.html
www.liverfoundation.org
http://www.pegasys.com/
http://www.pegintron.com/peg/application
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