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Health staff credit harm-reduction event with identifying 19 hepatitis C cases, urge clearer data on follow-up
Summary
Clallam County health staff reported an April elimination event identified 19 people with hepatitis C antibodies and 10 with active infection who were connected to treatment; the board pressed for more granular outcome tracking and clearer definitions of partner-service referrals.
Clallam County public health staff on May 19 told the Board of Health that an April 17 community ‘elimination’ event produced unexpectedly large hepatitis C screening results and prompt connections to care.
Lisa's team reported 19 attendees tested positive for hepatitis C antibody and 10 were RNA-positive, with the majority referred for immediate treatment, insurance enrollment and partner services. The health officer said the event’s mobile testing and on-site partner agencies (including enrollment assistance by Molina and wound care partners) removed barriers that typically prevent follow-up care.
Board members asked for more detail on a headline figure staff presented — 61 participants “connected with partner services” — and requested a categorical breakdown of what those referrals entailed (for example: primary care enrollment, treatment intake, wound care, behavioral-health referral, or insurance navigation). “If we’re putting a number like 61 up there as a member of this health board, I would like to know what that means,” one commissioner said during the meeting.
Staff said anonymity and data-protection policies limit patient-level tracking from some harm-reduction sites, but that partner agencies can supply aggregate follow-up metrics when asked. The health officer said the county can request general trajectories from partner agencies (how many people later enter treatment, keep appointments, or start medication) without receiving protected-health information.
The board and staff also discussed outreach and storytelling to reduce stigma. Commissioners suggested anonymized success stories and a press release to publicize the county’s work and its downstream benefits, such as fewer emergency-room abscess procedures and reduced ambulance demand. Staff said they will produce a more granular annual summary and provide monthly updates that include the requested categorical breakdowns.
The board did not vote on policy changes at the meeting; staff said they will return with an annual summary and the requested metrics at a future meeting.
