In 2007, American Indian and Alaska Natives were twice as likely to develop a case of Hepatitis C (HCV) as the white population (NIH, 2014). Oklahoma's Acute Hepatitis C Incidence Rates is more than 3 times higher than the US average (OSDH, 2010). I would like to see a decline of HCV in the Native American population because the amount of Native
Americans in Oklahoma. In the 2010 US Census there were 482,760 American Indian and Alaska Natives in Oklahoma (CDC, 2010). With improved prevention and teaching to the community, a positive change will result in Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Oklahoma regarding HCV.
Currently there is no vaccine for HCV, making the prevention of HCV difficult. Also some of the variables in the creation of HCV are high risk behaviors such as: intravenous drug users, individuals who received a blood transfusion/organ donation prior to 1992, individuals who received clotting factors before 1987, long-term hemodialysis patients, healthcare and public safety workers with exposure to blood, receiving a tattoo more than 5 years ago, and having sex with an HCV positive person. Alcoholism is an association, but it is important to know that person cannot get hepatitis C from drinking alcohol (Franciscus, 2012).
The cost of treating HCV is not cheap and not having medical insurance can make …show more content…
For example, since drug users are at a higher risk for contracting HCV post flyers in neighborhoods with high crime rates and drug abuse. Also, offer HCV antibody testing to high risk persons during clinic visits. One solution for individuals with HCV would be to provide the referral to a HCV organization that supports HCV-infected individuals and their affected family members. Those with low income or who are homeless should be directed towards the closest non-profit organizations with HCV
Americans in Oklahoma. In the 2010 US Census there were 482,760 American Indian and Alaska Natives in Oklahoma (CDC, 2010). With improved prevention and teaching to the community, a positive change will result in Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Oklahoma regarding HCV.
Currently there is no vaccine for HCV, making the prevention of HCV difficult. Also some of the variables in the creation of HCV are high risk behaviors such as: intravenous drug users, individuals who received a blood transfusion/organ donation prior to 1992, individuals who received clotting factors before 1987, long-term hemodialysis patients, healthcare and public safety workers with exposure to blood, receiving a tattoo more than 5 years ago, and having sex with an HCV positive person. Alcoholism is an association, but it is important to know that person cannot get hepatitis C from drinking alcohol (Franciscus, 2012).
The cost of treating HCV is not cheap and not having medical insurance can make …show more content…
For example, since drug users are at a higher risk for contracting HCV post flyers in neighborhoods with high crime rates and drug abuse. Also, offer HCV antibody testing to high risk persons during clinic visits. One solution for individuals with HCV would be to provide the referral to a HCV organization that supports HCV-infected individuals and their affected family members. Those with low income or who are homeless should be directed towards the closest non-profit organizations with HCV