Hepatitis Prevention Initiative

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Viral Hepatitis Prevention Initiative provides technical support and guidance for the prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Ohio. Consultation is available to local public health, private providers, healthcare facilities, community agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, correctional facilities and the general public.

This initiative seeks to improve the delivery of hepatitis prevention services in healthcare settings and public health programs that serve at-risk adults and adolescents by integrating viral hepatitis messages and services into existing programs. 

In 2007, the Adult Hepatitis Vaccination Project (AHVP) was launched. This project provides free hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and free hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine to un- or under-insured adults that engage in high-risk behaviors. Vaccine is also provided to individuals with a significant risk for severe complications, such as people with chronic HCV, HIV, diabetes and to students whose education requires HBV vaccine. The AHVP is a collaborative effort between the ODH Immunization Program and the ODH Viral Hepatitis Prevention Initiative.

For information on free hepatitis vaccines for high-risk adults, contact your local health department (LHD) or call the ODH Bureau of Infectious Diseases at 614-995-5599.

National Virus Hepatitis Action Plan 2017 -2020

The National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020 (Action Plan)  - PDF is our nation’s battle plan for fighting viral hepatitis in the United States.

NEW:  Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in collaboration with the International Antiviral Society–USA (IAS–USA) developed this web-based process for the rapid formulation and dissemination of information for the most up-to-date evidence-based, expert-developed recommendations for hepatitis C management.

Journal articles related to hepatitis:  Amedeo.com: The Medical Literature Guide is a free service with weekly emails providing bibliographical details from articles related to a disease(s) of your choice in your favorite journals.  Links to abstracts are provided as well.

Hepatitis brochures and fact sheets

Call 614-995-5599 for brochures.

Many links on this website will take you to organizations that provide free patient brochures, posters, and/or fact sheets that can be ordered and/or downloaded from their respective websites. 

Free hepatitis posters and palm cards:  Call or email (see contact information below) if you would like any of the following palm cards.  Posters to go along with each palm card are also available.  Palm cards are 3.5" X 3.5" and posters are 11" X 17". 

Hep Is Not Hip Palm Card

Hep IDU Tattoo Girl Palm Card

Hep Vaccine Palm Card

National Reports and Plans on Viral Hepatitis: 

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report (January 2010): Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Combating the Silent Epidemic of Viral Hepatitis: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (2014-2016).

Hepatitis Hotlines

Hepatitis C? We're Listening - 1-877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443)  http://www.help4hep.org/

Hep C Connection HelpLine - 1-800-522-HEPC (4372)  http://www.hepc-connection.org/

Ohio HIV/STD Prevention Hotline - 1-800-332-2437  http://preventhivstdohio.com/

For information on specific hepatitis topics, click on the appropriate link below:

Born from 1945 - 1965? CDC recommends you get tested for Hepatitis C.  Get tested. Learn more:​

Were you or your parents born in asia or the pacific islands?

Diabetes and Viral Hepatitis

Newly Diagnosed

Recommendations for Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control

Updated treatment guidelines for genotype 1, chronic hepatitis C infection 

CDC Viral Hepatitis Assessment

For other questions and concerns related to viral hepatitis, please contact the Bureau of Infectious Diseases at 614-995-5599. 

This site contains prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Disclaimer:  Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by the Ohio Department of Health or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site.