On February 1 this year the 877-HELP-4-HEP national support line was launched by The Support Partnership (TSP), a collaboration of five national hepatitis C organizations. Run by and for people affected by hepatitis C, this national consumer resource provides information, referrals and a call-back service to support individuals in their decisions to manage their health and hepatitis C.
Phone counselors are trained to answer general questions about hepatitis C risk, transmission, blood work, and treatment. They also assist people in coping with their health decisions, finding ways to cover the costs of treatments and care, and supporting them throughout treatment which can be a challenging experience for many.
“We’ve already responded to this wide range of issues,” states Alan McCord, Director of Education for Project Inform — one of the five agencies that comprise TSP. “But what often complicates making informed health decisions are the social issues that come to the forefront during these calls, such as disclosing one’s status or dealing with stigma.”
McCord continued, “As we have attended to nearly 100 people within our first month with quality information and referrals, we’ve also been able to guide and support them to cope with telling their friends and family and with advocating their health needs to their doctors. We’re also making call-backs to about one-quarter of callers to follow up on their progress and to ensure they’re supported throughout their journey.”
The Support Partnership also announced that palm cards are now available to distribute. If you or your agency would like to receive them, please email your organization’s contact name, site name, address, phone number, and the number of cards desired to info@help4hep.org.
The toll-free 877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443) operates Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm EST. To learn more, visit www.help4hep.org or email info@help4hep.org. TSP includes HealthPro (formerly Hep-C ALERT), FL; Hepatitis C Association, NJ; Hepatitis Education Project, WA; Hep C Connection, CO; and Project Inform, CA.