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Colorado
Hepatitis C Support Groups
For individuals infected with hepatitis C and family members affected by hepatitis C. Free and confidential. New members always welcome.
Metro-Denver
Aurora - 900 Potomac, 1st Floor Staff Cafeteria ~ 1st Tues. ~ 6:30-8 p.m. ~ Consuelo (303) 367-2813
Englewood - 1000 Englewood Parkway ~ 4th Tues. ~ 7-8:30 p.m. Deidrea (303) 504-1853
Lakewood - 11500 W. 20th ~ 2nd Tues. ~ 6:30-8 p.m.
Betsy (303) 237-1150
HIV/HCV Co-Infection - 1660 S. Albion ~ 4th Tues. 5:30-7:00 p.m. Kim (303) 862-0407
VA (VA Patients Only) - 1055 Clermont, Room 2E-104 ~ 2nd Wed. 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Deidrea (303) 504-1853
Statewide
Boulder - People's Clinic 2nd floor 3303 N. Broadway 2nd Wed 6:00 - 7:30p.m. Carrie (303) 875-2568
CO Springs - 825 E. Pikes Peak, 5th Floor Dining Room ~ 3rd Thurs. ~ 7-8:30 p.m. ~ David (719) 236-1416
Fort Collins - 2809 E. Harmony, 3rd Floor ~ Last Wed. ~ 6:30-8 p.m. ~ Jerry (970) 214-2912
Grand Junction - 510 29½ Road, Room 1060 ~ 1st Wed. ~ 5:15-6:45 p.m. Rainy (970) 241-6023
Pueblo - Crossroads 509 East 13th Street , Last Mon. 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Rhonda (719) 546-6666 ext. 136
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Greetings!
Welcome to the February 2009 edition of Connections! 
In this month's edition, Connections highlights our "Doctors & Science" article offering further understanding to potential liver disease for those who have undectable RNA. Learn how HealthStat Rx Medication Management program provides comprehensive care for those with HIV and/ or hepatitis C. Spring is around the corner, if you have time to spare, even just a few hours, we could use your help through volunteering. Read our "Health Fair Casting Call" article to learn how you can sign up.
We want to hear from you! To comment or contribute interesting news and information about hepatitis, please send us a note at info@hepc-connection.org. The deadline for news postings is February 16th.
Please share our newsletter with others by simply forwarding it to others, or by using the forwarding option at the bottom. Thank you! |
| Doctors & Science |
Liver Biopsies Indicate Persistent Inflammation and Fibrosis in HCV Antibody Positive People with Undetectable HCV RNA
People who carry antibodies indicating exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV), but who have undetectable plasma HCV viral load, are generally considered to have inactive disease. Likewise, continued undetectable plasma HCV RNA 24 months after completion of interferon-based therapy is usually regarded as a cure.
But hidden HCV in the liver -- even in the absence of detectable virus in the blood -- may still lead to liver disease progression, according to a study published in the December 2008 issue of Hepatology.
It is unclear whether HCV has been eradicated or persists at a low level in HCV antibody positive HCV RNA negative individuals, the study authors noted as background, and the natural history of the disease and liver histology in such individuals are not well characterized.
To read the full article, please click here.
To read more articles about this or other related newsworthy pieces visit www.hivandhepatitis.com. |
| HealthStat Rx Improves Outcomes for Patient Managing HIV and Hepatitis C |
Smyrna, GA December 1, 2008 - HealthStat Rx's Medication Management Program increases adherence and improves outcomes for patients diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis C. HealthStat's pharmacist-managed care model involves thorough patient engagement, comprehensive education and a unique drug delivery system. Patients receive expert consultation, personalized service and multiple compliance tools at no additional cost.
Experts agree that early detection and appropriate management of side effects can increase treatment adherence during the first weeks of therapy and increase the possibility of early virological response. In addition, the failure to quickly recognize and manage any of the common hematologic or neuropsychiatric side effects of therapy can lead directly to nonadherence or dose reduction.
HealthStat Rx's pharmacy care program effectively addresses these important issues and the results are impressive. Dose reduction or substitution was reduced by 52% for patients enrolled in HealthStat's medication management program. Furthermore, CD4 counts (the measure of immune cells) for HealthStat Rx patients increased an average of 54% while receiving pharmacist-directed care. Other healthcare providers in the community realize the advantages of HealthStat's medication program. "HealthStat Rx has improved my patient's compliance and reduced my staff's overall workload. I highly recommend their specialty services," states Aaron O'Brien HIV case manager with Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
About HealthStat Rx
HealthStat Rx is a national homecare pharmacy specializing in providing medications to patients in the home with chronic disease states. Their professionally trained staff is committed to assisting individuals with all of their specific healthcare needs. HealthStat Rx's proven medication management program makes adhering to complicated medication therapies simple and convenient. General information about HealthStat Rx is available at www.healthstatrx.com |
| HelpLine Survey 2008 |
In 2008 the Hep C Connection HelpLine had over 1120 calls from across the country. As part of our efforts to improve and expand our services we mailed out surveys to 200 people in December. We would like to thank everyone that returned the survey. The survey results will be helpful in improving our services and providing evidence for future funding.
Of the 30 surveys we received, most comments were very positive. Recommendations for improvements were noted and we are excited to better serve each of our callers. If you are a past caller that did not receive a survey and would like to make comments about the HelpLine, please e-mail your comments to karmstrong@hepc-connection.org.
The HelpLine is a vital piece of Hep C Connections mission. If you or someone you know needs questions answered or just to talk about their hepatitis C experience, please give us a call. The HelpLine hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, Mountain Time. The phone is run by volunteers and is not always easy to reach an individual immediately. Please leave us a message and we will get back to you quickly. The HelpLine strives to reach every caller within 24 hours of their call. |
| Volunteer Update - 2009 Health Fair Casting Call - Repeat |
| As we enter into a new year Hep C Connection will depend heavily on volunteer assistance to reach others in the community. Each year Hep C Connection spends endless hours during the month of April reaching thousands of Coloradoans at Health 9 Fairs. This year we need you! If you have a free day during the week or time to spare on the weekends, your volunteer time would be greatly appreciated. Time and dates for many fairs are still to be determined, however if you are interested in helping spread the word, please contact Kara Armstrong at karmstrong@hepc-connection.org or by phone at (720) 917 3972. She will be happy to add you to her Health Fair outreach list. Being on this list offers you to receive updates and announcements to health fair opportunities that you can consider donating a few hours to. Any necessary training will be provided at no cost to you. |
| Hep C Support Groups - Repeat |
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Are you hepatitis C positive? Maybe you have known for a long time? If you, or someone you care about has hepatitis C, Hep C Connection can help!
Hep C Connection offers hepatitis C support groups throughout Colorado with many of them in Denver. Please see specific locations and times on the left column of Connections. All groups are led by professional facilitators. Sharing and learning from others may offer you support, encouragement, and resources to better understand how hepatitis C impacts you individually.
All groups are free and confidential and you can come as often as you like!
To learn more about the support group near you, or to get more information regarding hepatitis C support and services, please call our toll free HelpLine at: 800-522-HEPC (4372). |
| Desserts & Delights Sponsors |
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Desserts & Delights could not have done it without the generous support and financial sponsorships that was provided to make this annual event prosperous.
The Desserts & Delights planning committee recognizes the following donor. Thank you for your support!
In-kind
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| Newsletter Sponsors |
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