The Texas Hepatitis C Initiative at the Texas Department of State Health Services offers the following education and prevention services: Hepatitis infoline
The toll-free Texas Hepatitis Infoline, 1-866-4 HEPABC (or 1-866-443-7222), features taped messages on the most frequently asked questions about hepatitis A, B, and C in English and Spanish. The four-minute messages include information about the virus, risk factors, transmission, symptoms, and prevention.
At the end of the taped messages, callers have the option to speak to staff who can provide additional information on specific questions, educational materials, health resources, and contacts for support groups statewide.
The line has been in operation since May 2001.
Additional Information Concerning the Hepatitis Infoline 
Hepatitis C Web pages
The Hepatitis C Web pages can be found at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/hepatitis/hepatitis_c/
Web pages include information about the hepatitis C virus, frequently asked questions, the Texas Hepatitis C Initiative, media materials, surveillance and reporting, information for healthcare professionals, and hepatitis links to other sites.
Hepatitis C video lending library
Hepatitis C videos (and videos about all bloodborne pathogens) are available for the public to borrow through the Texas Department of State Health Services Audio/Visual Lending Library. Videos are available that specifically target adults, youths, healthcare professionals, schools, and employers.
The video lending library can be accessed at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/avlib/default.shtm
The videos are great resources for patients and their families, employers, school nurses, health educators, coaches, science teachers, school librarians, support groups, private and public clinics, community wellness centers, and community centers in general.
Several videos include accompanying instructor manuals and pre- and post-tests to monitor classroom/teaching effectiveness.
Hepatitis educational brochures
Three educational brochures about hepatitis A, B, and C are available in English and Spanish. These brochures answer the most frequently asked questions about each virus.
Hepatitis C posters
Posters targeting adults and youths are available in English and Spanish. Several posters are available at the following page: www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/hepatitis/hepatitis_c/initiative/media/.
.Hepatitis C conference booth and exhibit
The hepatitis C staff is available to exhibit a booth at conferences, health fairs, community fairs, school fairs, university fairs, employer fairs, etc.
The booth display, exhibit materials, and handouts all include hepatitis C information about prevention, risk factors, symptoms, and educational resources.
Hepatitis C guest speakers/presenters
Hepatitis C staff are available to speak about various hepatitis C-related topics at conferences, health fairs, community fairs, university and college medical and nursing programs lectures, schools, employer trainings, etc.
Hepatitis phone assistance and correspondence
The hepatitis C staff is also available to respond to questions by phone, e-mail, fax, and regular mail.
Hepatitis infoline 1-866-4-HEPABC (press the option key after the taped message)
Fax: 512-458-7616
Regular mail: Texas Department of State Health Services, Hepatitis C Initiative, IDEAS Division, Tower Building Rm 801, 1100 W. 49 th St., Austin, TX 78759
State plan and updates
The Hepatitis C Action Plan for Texas, December 2002 was mandated by the 77 th Legislature in 2001. The mandate required the Texas Department of Health to gather input from stakeholders throughout the state to develop a state plan for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C. The plan was delivered to the Texas Legislature in December 2002. Updated plans are due biennially on October 1 of even-numbered years.
The Hepatitis C Action Plan for Texas, December 2002 is available at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/hepatitis/hepatitis_c/initiative/plan/
Ongoing surveillance
Staff monitor reported cases of hepatitis C infections across the state to gauge demographic and geographic trends.
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