Chronic liver disease is the 10^th leading cause of death among adults in the United States and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the country, affecting over 5 million Americans. Most people infected don?t even know that they have it. Why?  Because sometimes it takes 20-30 years to become symptomatic.

Hepatitis C is transferred by  blood to blood contact.  Review the following risk factors to determine if you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C Test Risk Assessment

The highest (and equal risk factors are):

• Having had a blood transfusion or organ donation prior to 1992
• Having kidney dialysis (hemodialysis)
• Received clotting factor before 1992                                                      
• Having ever injected illegal drugs?even once                                      
• Have had sexual contact with multiple individuals                                 
• Have been a healthcare worker with exposure to Hepatitis C                
• Have ever had an STD                         
• Prison tattoos and/or piercings

If you have any of these risk factors, you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C and not even know it. Sierra HOPE is providing FREE Hepatitis C testing for persons living in Amador, Tuolumne or Calaveras Counties.  For more information about Hepatitis C or free testing, call Sierra HOPE at (209) 736-6792.

 Sierra HOPE's Hepatitis Support Group, housed at the Sierra HOPE office, meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30-7:30.