Co-Occurring Epidemics

The increase in opioid use and hepatitis infections are closely linked public health issues. When people inject opioids, they're more likely to get and spread Hep C by sharing needles or other injection equipment.

Prevention and Treatment Challenges

People struggling with addiction may have less access to health care. To effectively tackle both the opioid and Hep C crises, an integrated health approach is required. This may include:

• substance abuse treatment
• harm reduction services and needle exchange programs
• improved access to hepatitis testing and treatment