Sun River Health's Hepatitis C team is incredibly proud of our long-standing and impactful partnership with The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group (HCMSG). Together, we've diligently provided comprehensive education on Hepatitis C, harm reduction, and the importance of stigma-free healthcare access. This collaboration has been instrumental in increasing awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding Hepatitis C and substance use. Through peer-led education, outreach, and training, we've created safe spaces where individuals feel empowered to seek information and support.
A key to our shared success is the exceptional approach of Ronni and her HCMSG team. They genuinely engage with the community, consistently reaching people who might otherwise avoid health services. Their success stems from a unique blend of true warmth, unwavering acceptance, and a dedication to making everyone feel like family. Instead of a formal approach, they connect with people exactly where they are, building trust through empathy and a non-judgmental attitude. This creates a psychologically safe environment, making it easier for individuals to discuss sensitive health topics. Ultimately, their work is a powerful force in reducing stigma, empowering individuals to take control of their health without fear.
Building on this success, we're excited to launch a new initiative that expands education and access to care in Queens. This initiative integrates Hepatitis C education directly with linkage-to-care services and primary care access, ensuring individuals are supported throughout the full continuum of care—from education and testing to treatment and sustained virologic response (SVR). We're embedding education and screening into more community touchpoints and enhancing referral systems to seamlessly connect clients to primary care, care coordination, and treatment specialists. As a result, we've already seen a significant increase in individuals educated, linked to care, and achieving a cure. Our shared mission with HCMSG is to ensure no one is left behind due to stigma, misinformation, or systemic barriers.
ekiM’s weekly groups, based on HCMSG Circle Model, began June 2018. The weekly groups have continued to date. Those who attend the group are provided with a healthy meal (usually sandwiches, fruit and a drink). Each attendee is offered an HCMSG purple bag to take with them. The bags have provided an opportunity for having an open discussion about the importance of healthy lifestyle decisions. Participants at the syringe service program also have access to Naloxone, safe supplies, a medical provider through a virtual health hub, and other important issues that face this population.
The purple bags from HCMSG are also provided to participants of the syringe service program and act as a segway (or smooth transition) to a discussion as well as providing an individually tailored education about the danger of Hepatitis C and HIV transmission. The HCMSG program has been instrumental for ekiM For Change’s ability to provide education and supportive services leading to in-person linkage to care and/or telemedicine. In-person linkage to care for our participants is a two hour drive from our county and is a barrier to having access to treatment.
According to a survey of our participants who answered the survey the Circle Groups, giving access to safe supplies and/or personal items, are a positive step in helping them to make healthier choices.
Our partnership with HCMSG’s amazing work in the HCV field has given us the opportunity to provide services in our rural community that we would not be able to provide on our own. We are proud to be a partner with this organization enabling us to provide the treatment and care currently not available for our patient population
The Hepatitis C Mentor & Support Group (HCMSG) began a partnership with Choice Health Network (CHN) during our expansion of harm reduction services through our HIV clinic in 2017. HCMSG’s work with and passion for HCV education in rural communities was a natural fit for CHN’s efforts to bring HIV & HCV treatment and prevention services to East Tennessee.
HCMSG supplies meet our participants' immediate needs and help build trust. The complex obstacles that keep participants from healthcare are massive, and having something tangible to provide shows that our goal is to hear their needs first and foremost.
HCMSG has linked our team and our work to other organizations and sites that are also doing incredible work. Working in HIV, hepatitis, and substance use can silo us because the work is both intense and urgent. Having connections to other places gives us new ideas for services and education and is invaluable. HCMSG is doing amazing work in the HCV field and we're proud to be a partner!