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Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

These unrelated viruses are spread from one person to another through different routes. Safe and effective vaccines have been available for hepatitis B since 1981 and for hepatitis A since 1995. No vaccine exists yet against hepatitis C. All three of these viruses can produce an illness characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. HBV and HCV also can produce a chronic infection that is associated with an increased risk for chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

Hep Free NNE 2025-2030 NNE Viral Hepatitis B and C Elimination Plan

Hepatitis Free Northern New England (Hep Free NNE) announces the launch of the 2025-2030 NNE Viral Hepatitis B and C Elimination Plan. Hep Free NNE is a tri-state partnership between Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The goal of the plan is to eliminate hepatitis B and C across the region. The plan emphasizes community driven strategies and aligns with local needs and resources.

This plan builds on the National Strategy for Viral Hepatitis. The plan includes input from stakeholders across all three states. These are:

  • 150+ interviews with people who have lived experience with viral hepatitis or using drugs
  • 6 Harm Reduction programs
  • 15 community discussion groups
  • 34 stakeholder interviews
  • 150+ Hep Free NNE Kick-Off Summit attendees
  • 27 Steering Committee Members
  • 40+ Planning Group Members
  • A Leadership Team co-chaired by Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinators from each state

The Five Pillars for Eliminating Hepatitis B and C in NNE

  1. Welcoming Services & Spaces: Stigma is not a barrier to testing, treatment, or care
  2. Trusted Partners: Harm reduction services are able to support viral hepatitis elimination efforts. These services form strategies based on lived experience of people who use drugs.
  3. Capacity to Care: Cross-cultural and well-trained care teams connected with payors. Care teams have the capacity to service all people engaged with the cascade of care.
  4. Equity & Autonomy: All people have the resources to build resilience. They have the ability to determine their own viral hepatitis care.
  5. Sustainability & Attainability: Comprehensive data systems inform policies and programs. A well-resourced public health infrastructure sustains programs and policies.

The plan aims to achieve hepatitis B and C elimination through…

  • Increased testing and treatment access across diverse settings.
  • Normalized conversations about hepatitis to reduce stigma.
  • Integrated care within broader health and social systems. Examples are housing and substance use programs.
  • Strengthened public health infrastructure with innovative funding and advocacy.

Call to Action

Check out the resources below to see how you or your organization can support efforts with the 2025-2030 Viral Hepatitis B and C Elimination Plan. Together we can leverage shared resources and knowledge to eliminate hepatitis in NNE. Success relies on commitment across healthcare, policymaking, and community organizations.

Resources

Browse these Hep Free NNE Resources to learn more about the group and our work. Files open in a new browser tab.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter - even in microscopic amounts - from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person. People experiencing homelessness, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men are at higher risk.

The virus spreads more easily in areas where sanitary conditions and personal hygiene practices are poor.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated and by washing your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing or eating food.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. For example, HBV is spread through: having sex with an infected person, sharing needles, or accidental needle sticks and from an infected mother to her baby during birth. If you are at risk for hepatitis B, ask your health care provider for a hepatitis B test (which is a simple blood test) to determine if you have been infected with HBV. If you have not been infected, a vaccine can protect you from HBV.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Hepatitis C can be either "acute" or "chronic." Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, or even death. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injection drug use.

Perinatal Hepatitis C Resources

Resource Tools

 

Your ability to receive treatment for hepatitis C may depend on where you live and what insurance you have. Please contact organizations directly for information on services and costs.