Hillcrest Family Services Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot - Hillcrest Family Services will implement a community-based initiative that expands same-day Hepatitis C testing, behavioral health support, and peer-led care coordination for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in six Eastern Iowa counties. The project will increase early detection of HCV, reduce transmission, and improve access to treatment and support services. It targets underserved and high-risk populations, including uninsured and underinsured individuals. Hillcrest will collaborate with healthcare and community partners for streamlined referrals and culturally responsive care. The program will reach 25-50 individuals annually, over the 3-year grant period. Full Abstract: The Hillcrest Family Services Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative is a comprehensive, community-based project aimed at reducing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) disparities among high-risk, underserved populations across Dubuque, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Clinton, and Johnson counties in Iowa. The program targets adults aged 18 and older with a focus on individuals with current or past injection drug use, those experiencing homelessness, people with opioid use disorder (OUD), justice-involved individuals, and those at heightened risk for HCV and HIV infection. Most participants will be low-income and face significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare, including stigma, lack of insurance, and unstable housing. The initiative will implement an integrated set of strategies, including community outreach and education on HCV, HIV, and substance use risks; onsite same-day screening and testing; warm handoffs to treatment providers; and peer recovery support with trauma-informed care coordination. Hillcrest will also deploy digital prevention tools, harm reduction kits, and motivational incentives to improve engagement and treatment adherence. Strategic collaboration with Ryan White providers and local clinics will ensure wraparound behavioral health and medical services. The project's goals and measurable objectives include engaging over 2,000 individuals annually through education and awareness campaigns while connecting 25 to 50 individuals each year to testing and care. Hillcrest will screen 25 to 50 individuals annually for HCV, HIV, and SUD, with 100% of those testing positive referred to treatment the same day. All HCV-positive individuals will be linked to care, with wraparound supports provided to 25 to 50 clients per year. Trauma-informed, peer-led care coordination will be delivered to 25 to 50 clients annually, with an 80% treatment completion target. The initiative will distribute at least 150 harm reduction kits per year and offer compliant motivational incentives to at least 80% of clients engaged in treatment to encourage adherence. Monthly evaluation and outcome tracking will be conducted, and promising practices will be shared with SAMHSA and other stakeholders. Over the 3-year project period, Hillcrest will serve up to 150 high-risk individuals directly and reach over 6,000 community members through education and outreach, contributing significantly to early detection, treatment access, and long-term HCV elimination in Eastern Iowa.
