State health officials mark May as Hepatitis Awareness Month and renew commitment to eliminating hepatitis C across New York

Albany, New York – As part of its ongoing mission to protect public health and combat the spread of infectious diseases, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is recognizing May as Hepatitis Awareness Month, with a focused effort on increasing awareness, testing, and treatment for hepatitis C. This recognition comes at a time when nearly half of the estimated 116,000 New Yorkers living with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection—and therefore missing out on life-saving treatment.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that hepatitis C is a silent but serious threat to public health. “If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to serious long-term complications, including liver failure and even death,” Dr. McDonald said. “While there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, the good news is it is curable. Because the virus often has no symptoms in the beginning, a blood test is the most reliable way to be sure. If you test positive, effective treatment is available and works well.”

Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that primarily affects the liver. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent it. However, advances in medical science have led to highly effective treatments that can cure most individuals in just eight weeks. Despite this, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to misinformation, stigma, and limited access to testing—issues that are often rooted in broader social and economic disparities.

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To close these gaps, the state is taking a bold step by investing in new testing technology approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Cepheid GeneXpert® Xpress test, cleared last June, is the first point-of-care diagnostic for hepatitis C in the country. Unlike traditional tests, it delivers results in under an hour using just a small blood sample from a fingerstick, and can be administered by non-medical personnel.

Colleen Flanigan, Director of the Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology, highlighted how this new tool will help accelerate the state’s efforts to eliminate hepatitis C. “To support the Department in its goal to eliminate hepatitis C, NYS plans to invest in this new technology by providing funding to purchase the instrument and supplies to each Drug User Health Hub, syringe service programs, hepatitis C care and treatment and opioid treatment programs currently funded by the AIDS Institute to provide hepatitis C services,” she said. “With a rapid diagnosis, hepatitis C treatment can begin as soon as same day of diagnosis for many.”

These changes are especially significant for individuals at higher risk, including those who use injection drugs or have limited access to regular healthcare services. Making hepatitis C testing more accessible—particularly in community-based settings—will be critical in catching more cases early and getting patients into treatment.

The Department is also partnering with local organizations across the state to support testing and treatment. Through the AIDS Institute, the state provides funding for patient navigation and linkage to care services—crucial tools that help individuals overcome the logistical and social barriers that often prevent them from accessing medical care.

Public health officials are also calling on individuals to play a role in eliminating hepatitis C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with New York State, recommend that all adults get tested for hepatitis C at least once, pregnant individuals be tested during every pregnancy, and anyone with ongoing risk factors be screened regularly.

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The Department is encouraging people to use the many online resources available to learn more about hepatitis C and access help if needed. These include:

• Learning more about the new testing technology on the hepatitis C point of care test web page
• Exploring treatment and prevention efforts at NY Cures Hep C
• Tracking statewide progress on the Hepatitis C Dashboard
• Finding testing and treatment services through the AIDS Institute provider directory

In November 2021, New York State unveiled its Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, joining a growing international movement to eradicate the disease by 2030. The plan includes a comprehensive set of recommendations that address the health inequities driving the epidemic, from access to testing and treatment to tackling stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings.

This month’s awareness campaign serves as both a reminder and a call to action. Hepatitis C may be a silent disease at first, but the path to curing it begins with knowledge, testing, and support. With cutting-edge tools, targeted outreach, and a clear plan for the future, New York is stepping up to meet the challenge—and urging every New Yorker to join in the fight.