Prepared by the Multnomah County
Hepatitis C Community Planning Group
Portland, Oregon
March 2004

We envision a community free of transmission of hepatitis C, where people affected by this disease achieve the highest quality of life possible. -- CPG Vision Statement

March 1, 2004

Dear Multnomah County Residents,

I am pleased to announce the publication of the first Multnomah County Hepatitis C Strategic Plan. This publication is the result of two and a half years of commitment and collaborative work by community members for community members with input from the Multnomah County Health Department.

This Strategic Plan is the first one of its type in Oregon. The Plan addresses prevention and care issues of individuals who are at highest risk of contracting Hepatitis C today. It is based on the results of a comprehensive needs assessment process that was undertaken among various provider groups, community members and consumers in the County.

This Plan is intended as a resource and tool for community-based organizations as well as public institutions that are interested in hepatitis program planning and/or grant writing. The Hepatitis C Community Planning Group members developed an extensive list of recommended
interventions, divided into high, medium and low priority categories, from which to choose. Many of the interventions - particularly in the high priority category – are based on researchbased best practices and known standards of care.

Completion of this Plan renews our public health commitment to address Hepatitis C in our community. Many of the high priority interventions listed have already been successfully integrated into other services within the Health Department such as syringe exchange, Hepatitis C counseling and testing, vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and community and provider education. Service integration enables us to effectively serve those in our community who are most marginalized and vulnerable to illness.

I congratulate the dedicated members of the Multnomah County Hepatitis C Community Planning Group on completion of the Strategic Plan. It provides new insight and is a key resource to assist interested parties in addressing the public health challenge presented by Hepatitis C in our community.

Sincerely,

Lillian Shirley, RN, MPH, MPA
Director, Multnomah County Health Department

Hepatitis C Strategic Plan
Table of Contents (all files PDF):

Download entire report (300 KB)

By section:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Overview of Hepatitis C
• Epidemiology of Hepatitis C in Multnomah County
• Needs Assessment Summary
• Goals and Recommendations for Interventions
• References and Endnotes
• Appendix A – Social and Environmental Context of Hepatitis C in Multnomah County
• Appendix B – Needs Assessment Summary and Individual Survey Results

B1. Community/High Risk Client Survey

B2. Social Service Provider Survey

B3. Complementary and Alternative Medical Provider Survey

B4. Western Medical Provider Survey

B5. General Population Survey

• Appendix C – Glossary