Free Hepatitis C Screenings Offered in Denver, Colorado
(NewMediaWire) - May 02, 2014 - Denver, CO - Avella Specialty Pharmacy, in collaboration with the American Liver Foundation and Denver Colorado AIDS Project, will offer free Hepatitis screenings for the general public at its Denver-based facility on May 19th in support of National Hepatitis Testing Day. Hepatitis C can be detected through a simple blood test that identifies antibodies to the virus. Early detection of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is critical since many individuals that have the condition exhibit no symptoms and don’t realize they are infected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is estimated that more than 3.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HCV. The CDC recommends all of the following groups receive testing for HCV:
- All adults born during 1945 through 1965
- Recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992
- Current or former users of illegal injection drugs
- Chronic hemodialysis patients
- Healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the virus through needle sticks
- People with HIV
- Children born to HCV-positive mothers
The screening event will take place at Avella of Denver, Colorado at 1245 East Colfax Ave, Suite 102. In addition to receiving results within about 20 minutes, individuals will also have access to guidance and education from healthcare professionals if they test positive for HCV. Appointments are required for these screenings. To schedule an appointment for an HCV test during this free event, please contact Avella of Denver at (303) 863-7644.
“There are many new and exciting treatments for Hepatitis C that can dramatically improve the health of people living with this condition,” said Joseph McCormack, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Division, American Liver Foundation. “By offering these screenings for HCV, Avella, Denver Colorado AIDS Project and the American Liver Foundation are helping to ensure that individuals in our community who test positive will have access to the most effective care.”
About Avella Specialty Pharmacy
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. Avella reached 1,105th on Inc. magazine's 2013 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the fastest-growing private company based in the state. For more information, please visit www.avella.com/hepatitis.
About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s largest non-profit organization focused solely on promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation achieves its mission in the fight against liver disease by funding scientific research, education for medical professionals, advocacy, information and support programs for patients and their families as well as public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention. The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. Additional information can be found at www.liverfoundation.org.
About Denver Colorado AIDS Project
Denver Colorado AIDS Project is a 30 year-old community based organization that helps those living with HIV/AIDS, and those at risk, to make healthy choices for a self sufficient, enhanced quality of life. DCAP provides innovative, individualized services to those most in need, educates high risk populations, and advocates for social and health care equity. Find out more at www.denvercap.org.
