2025
May
Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative
People living with hepatitis C are now an eligible population for permanent supportive housing under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initaiative (ESSHI).
May
Third Annual Hepatitis C Elimination Progress Report
This meeting provided an update on New York State and New York City hepatitis C elimination metrics as well as programmatic, policy and other significant accomplishments. A presentation on leveraging syndemic approaches to eliminate hepatitis C and updates on the advances in hepatitis C testing and treatment, as well as a live demonstration on the New York State Hepatitis C Dashboard were also provided during the meeting.
April
Launch of Point of Care HCV RNA Testing
Point of Care (POC) HCV RNA testing is available in all drug user health hubs across NYS allowing clients to receive a hepatitis C diagnosis within one hour. POC HCV RNA testing will also be available at AIDS Institute funded Hepatitis C care and treatment programs (9 programs), innovative models (2 programs), opioid treatment programs (3 programs) and syringe service programs (5 SSPs).
2024
November
Hepatitis C navigation in high-risk settings
This initiative supports Article 28 facilities to navigate HCV clients from high-risk settings back to the HCV care and treatment program at the Article 28 facility. This is accomplished by employing an HCV patient navigator to provide HCV linkage and navigation services from high-risk settings including substance use disorder treatment programs, and to persons released from state prisons and local jails, and other high-risk settings, such as harm reduction programs. Services include HCV education and counseling, HCV testing, assessment of HCV treatment barriers, assessment of social determinants of health and referrals for identified needs, arranging for appointments with the HCV provider, assessing transportation barriers, monitoring HCV treatment adherence, appointment reminders, and motivational interviewing.
July
Community planning and coalition building for hepatitis C elimination
This initiative seeks to develop a statewide network of HCV elimination coalitions in each of region of the state, including New York City. This initiative aims to move NYS towards a state where HCV is no longer a public health problem and the inequities faced by those living with HCV are eliminated.
July
Newly released hepatitis C infections data
Newly released hepatitis C infections data made available on the HCV Dashboard. Data includes case counts and population rates among individuals aged 18-40 at the statewide, rest of state (NYS excluding NYC), and New York City level.
MAY
Amendments to the NYS hepatitis C Testing Law went into effect
On May 3 2024, the amendments to the NYS Hepatitis C Testing Law went into effect.The amendments include the following: Every individual age eighteen and older be offered a hepatitis C screening test, every individual younger than eighteen, if there is evidence or indication of risk activity, be offered a hepatitis C screening test and every pregnant person be screened for hepatitis C during each pregnancy.More information on the new screening requirements can be found here.
May
Second Annual New York State Hepatitis C Elimination Progress Report
This meeting reported on NYS’s progress toward reaching its elimination goals. Updates on programs, policy and other significant accomplishments were shared in addition to the release of NYS and NYC elimination metrics. Breakout sessions highlighted innovative and promising practices to lead NYS to elimination.
March
AIDS Institute establishes perinatal Hepatitis C prevention program
Following the passing of legislation for universal HCV screening of all pregnant people, the AIDS Institute established an HCV perinatal prevention program building on the existing foundation of it’s successful Perinatal HIV Prevention Program. The program will ensure timely linkage to care for pregnant people diagnosed with HCV and timely and appropriate screening for newborns exposed to HCV.
January
Test4HepC Campaign
The Test4Hep C Campaign aimed to reach pregnant people and their health care providers to increase hepatitis C screening during pregnancy and to increase follow-up screenings of infants exposed to hepatitis C during pregnancy and childbirth. The campaign included print, digital, social media, provider toolkit and a video message from Commissioner McDonald.
January
Advisory group to address barriers to hepatitis C treatment access among people who inject drugs
State Health Department’s AIDS Institute, Division of HIV and Hepatitis Health Care’s Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology, convened an Advisory Group to Address Barriers to Hepatitis C Treatment Access Among People Who Inject Drugs (Advisory Group) to identify key strategies NYS needs to implement to markedly increase access to HCV treatment for people who inject drugs. The Advisory Group met and completed a series of assignments from January – June 2024 to identify these key strategies including policy, funding, strategic partnerships, and care delivery settings.
2023
December
NYC Health Code Amended to Require Reporting of Negative Hepatitis Test Results
In December 2023, the New York City (NYC) Board of Health adopted amendments to the Health Code to require laboratories to report all negative syphilis test results, negative and indeterminate hepatitis B e antigen and surface antigen test results, and negative and indeterminate hepatitis C antibody test results. The newly required reporting of negative and indeterminant hepatitis B and C test results enable the NYC Health Department to better identify patterns of seroconversion and recent infection and support early linkage to care.
November
Nurse Care Coordination in Opioid Treatment Programs
This initiative supports nurse-led care coordination activities to integrate HCV services onsite or via telehealth in OASAS licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). OTPs supported by the initiative identify OTP clients living with HCV; assess for HCV treatment barriers, including social determinants of health; conduct HCV testing, including pre-treatment laboratory testing; administer hepatitis A and B vaccinations; coordinate clinical visits with an HCV provider onsite or via telehealth; monitor treatment adherence; coordinate and track referrals; appointment reminders; and motivational interviewing. The nurse-led care coordination services will be complemented by services delivered by a person with lived HCV experience employed to provide HCV education, counseling, and supportive services to all OTP clients .
MAY
HCV Elimination metrics released on the HCV Dashboard
HCV diagnosis and treatment/clearance elimination metrics from the Hepatitis Elimination and Epidemiology Dataset (HEED) were released on the HCV Dashboard.
MAY
Expansion of HCV screening requirements approved by NYS Governor
With the passing of the NYS Executive budget on May 4, 2023, the amendments to the NYS HCV Testing Law were approved. The amendments expand the offer of an HCV screening test to all adults 18 years of age and older and to persons under the age of 18 with a risk. The amendment also extends the sunset date of the law to 2030. A new requirement to Section 2500 of public health law was also approved requiring universal HCV screening of all pregnant people during each pregnancy. These two new requirements go into effect in May 2024.
MAY
First Annual New York State Hepatitis C Elimination Progress Report
This meeting reported on NYS’s progress toward reaching its elimination goals. Updates on programs, policy and other significant accomplishments were shared in addition to the release of NYS and NYC elimination metrics. A panel of experts discussed what more is needed to further advance elimination efforts within priority settings and reach the communities most impacted by hepatitis C.
2022
MAY
Hepatitis C (HCV) Dashboard is released
APRIL
NYS Hepatitis C Learning Collaborative for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
The NYS HCV Learning Collaborative for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Programs is a two-year collaborative designed to assist SUD treatment programs to build capacity to provide on-site HCV testing and linkage to care activities for clients living with HCV.
2021
DECEMBER
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a Major Public Health Threat by 2030
On December 27, 2021, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) released the Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a Major Public Health Threat in NYC by 2030. NYC’s plan includes strategies to reduce the number of hepatitis B and C infections, improve the health of people with hepatitis B and C, and reduce health inequities related to viral hepatitis infection in NYC.
NOVEMBER
NYS Hepatitis C Elimination Plan is released
2020
OCTOBER
Prior authorization for HCV medications is eliminated
On July 23, 2020, the New York State Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board recommended the removal of prior authorization for HCV medications prescribed to persons not previously treated for HCV. This change was approved by the Commissioner of Health and effective on October 8, 2020 for fee for service Medicaid.
JUNE
Announcement of Hepatitis C Elimination Dashboard
2019
SEPTEMBER
NY Cures Hep C multi-media campaign launched
The AIDS Institute launched a statewide multimedia campaign, ‘NY Cures Hep C’, designed to increase public knowledge and awareness of HCV. The campaign is centered around the personal stories from HCV providers and people with lived experience of HCV. Campaign materials include social media, posters, palm cards, videos, animated videos, and transit ads.
AUGUST
Enhancements to NYS HCV surveillance system implemented
Surveillance system enhancements include the development of automatization algorithms linking negative RNA results to previously identified patients in surveillance case records, which improved the ability to identify and monitor treatment and identify reinfection and/or seroconversions and merging of case records in NYS Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System (CDESS), which improves and facilitates record comparisons, reducing chances of duplicated case reporting and improving over all case data quality.
AUGUST
NYS HCV Elimination Metrics work began and New York State Hepatitis Elimination Monitoring System Advisory Committee Convened
Hepatitis C elimination metrics workgroups began meeting to develop methods for monitoring the three primary metrics: HCV diagnoses, HCV treatment, and HCV incidence. Workgroup meetings are held monthly. The NYS Hepatitis Elimination Monitoring System convened its first meeting with the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is an invited group of 11 individuals with expertise related to the primary metrics.
JULY
Innovative Models of HCV Care and Treatment for PWID launched
The AIDS Institute currently provides funding to health care facilities to provide HCV services in a non-traditional setting, including but not limited to co-location at syringe exchange programs/drug user health hubs, onsite at drug treatment programs, via mobile van or tele-health technology. The goals of this initiative are to: 1) increase HCV awareness and knowledge among PWID; 2) increase HCV treatment initiation and completion rates among PWID; 3) increase the number of PWID who are cured of HCV; and 4) prevent reinfection among PWID who are treated and cured of HCV.
JUNE
NYS HCV Elimination Task Force convened
Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force is charged with providing input to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) on the hepatitis C elimination plan. The Task Force is an appointed group of 28 individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise such as HCV prevention, clinical care and treatment, research and public health policy. On June 4, 2019, the Task Force reconvened to review and discuss the draft recommendations and prioritization results.
2018
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
NYC DOHMH HCV Care Cascade Algorithm validated
NYC Health Department validated a surveillance-based HCV treatment algorithm to support development of HCV care cascades.
NOVEMBER
Correctional health navigation program established with Rikers Island
NYC Health Department collaborated with NYC Jail to provide telephone-based linkage to hepatitis C care for detainees when returning to the community.
NOVEMBER
NYS HCV Elimination Task Force convened
Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force is charged with providing input to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) on the hepatitis C elimination plan. The Task Force is an appointed group of 28 individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise such as HCV prevention, clinical care and treatment, research and public health policy. The November 2018 meeting provided an overview of the NYS and NYC HCV surveillance data and the NYS DOH and NYC DOHMH HCV programs and policies.
NOVEMBER
HCV Patient Navigation Initiative launched
The HCV Patient Navigation Initiative provides funding to upstate Drug User Health Hubs. Each hub is staffed with one patient navigator. The program aims to increase the number of people who inject drugs who know their HCV status and are linked to medical care and treatment.
AUGUST
HCV HCV RNA DBS testing implemented at NYS HCV Rapid Testing Programs
Dried blood spot (DBS) testing for HCV RNA (qualitative) is conducted by the Wadsworth Center Lab for programs enrolled in the NYS HCV Rapid Testing Program. Specimens are collected via fingerstick rather than traditional venipuncture. HCV RNA by DBS reduces barriers to HCV RNA testing; expands access to HCV RNA testing to populations with unmet needs; increases the number of people who know their HCV status; and links individuals living with HCV to care.
AUGUST
HCV Criminal Justice Initiative launched
The HCV Criminal Justice Initiative provides funding to CBOs who provide support services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons living with HCV, including HCV linkage and navigation services, HCV peer training, HCV education and support.
APRIL
NYS appropriates $5M to HCV elimination
MARCH
NYS announces commitment to HCV elimination
On March 18, 2018, NYS announced its commitment to eliminating HCV in NYS, by increasing access to HCV medications and increasing funding for HCV prevention, testing and treatment programs, such as education, patient navigation, and HCV prevention programs in primary care and other settings.
2017
SEPTEMBER
NYC implements HCV reflex testing
New York Public Health Law Section 580(3): require labs to routinely perform a confirmatory HCV RNA test if an antibody test is positive for HCV.
JULY
Release of Updated Clinical Guidelines -Treatment of Chronic HCV with Direct-Acting Antivirals
The AIDS Institute partners with Johns Hopkins University to develop and disseminate practical, evidence-based clinical guidelines that promote quality medical care for people in New York who are living with and/or are at risk of acquiring HIV, HCV, STIs and substance use. This guideline on treatment of chronic HCV infection was developed to guide primary care providers and other practitioners in NYS in treating patients with chronic HCV infection.
JUNE
Empire Liver Foundation Clinical Education Initiative launched
As part of the Viral Hepatitis Initiative, the NYC Council funded the Empire Liver Foundation to provide hepatitis clinical training for community health providers in NYC. The NYC Health Department worked with the Empire Liver Foundation to develop and implement the program.
MAY
Project SUCCEED launched
HRSA funded the NYC Health Department to develop and implement a data-to-care intervention to eliminate HCV in people living with HIV in NYC, which included provider education, clinical practice facilitation and telephone linkage to care.
FEBRUARY
Summit on HCV Elimination in NYS
On February 7, 2017 state and national leaders gathered in Albany for the “Summit on Hepatitis C Elimination in NYS” where public health experts, advocates, and community stakeholders came together to present a consensus statement outlining recommendations for eliminating hepatitis C in NYS. This summit, driven by the HCV community, was the first step towards HCV elimination in NYS.
JANUARY
NYC Health Department Telephone Navigation Program launched
NYC Health Department uses surveillance data to identify hepatitis B and C patients at high risk who are out of care, and provides outreach and linkage to care by telephone.
2015
JANUARY
Hepatitis C Clinical Exchange launched
Forty acute care hospitals participate in the NYC Health Department led Hepatitis C Clinical Exchange Network to promote screening, complete diagnostic testing, RNA reflex testing, and HCV treatment. In 2018, surveillance based hospital specific HCV testing dashboards were established for the participating hospitals.
2014
OCTOBER
NYS HCV Testing Law implemented
Implemented in January 2014, the NYS HCV Testing Law required an HCV screening test be offered to every individual born between 1945 and 1965 receiving health services as an inpatient of a hospital or a primary care setting or from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner providing primary care. If an individual accepts the offer of the HCV screening test and the screening test is reactive, the health care provider must offer the individual follow-up health care or refer the individual to a health care provider who can provide follow-up health care, including an HCV diagnostic test (HCV RNA).
SEPTEMBER
Project INSPIRE launched
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services funded Project Inspire, a $10 million grant to implement an HCV care coordination program and payment model.
JULY
HCV negative RNA reporting required in NYC
As of July 2014, the reporting of negative HCV RNA test results was required by the NYC Board of Health.
MAY
NYC Council Mandated NYC Viral Hepatitis Annual Report
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of health and mental hygiene to issue an annual report regarding hepatitis B and hepatitis C. (nt 0051-2014)
MAY
NYC Viral Hepatitis Initiative established by NYC City Council
NYC Council established the Viral Hepatitis Initiative in 2014, which funded community organizations, health centers and hospitals to provide health care navigation and training services. Funding level is approximately 1.9 million per year.
2013
OCTOBER
Governor’s Office signs NYS HCV Testing Law
Implemented in January 2014, the NYS HCV Testing Law required an HCV screening test be offered to every individual born between 1945 and 1965 receiving health services as an inpatient of a hospital or a primary care setting or from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner providing primary care. If an individual accepts the offer of the HCV screening test and the screening test is reactive, the health care provider must offer the individual follow-up health care or refer the individual to a health care provider who can provide follow-up health care, including an HCV diagnostic test (HCV RNA).
JUNE
HCV screening at Rikers and other city jails established
Birth cohort screening was initiated in June 2013 in the New York City jail system.
APRIL
NYS HCV Rapid Testing Program launched
The NYS HCV Screening Program provides free rapid HCV antibody test kits and controls to programs serving populations at highest risk for HCV. The program works collaboratively with the NYS DOH Wadsworth Center Laboratory to allow agencies enrolled in the screening program to conduct HCV RNA testing via dried blood spot. Individuals screened for HCV are provided appropriate counseling messages and receive referrals for HCV RNA testing (if needed) and HCV medical care and treatment.
2012
JUNE
NYC Hepatitis Community Navigation Program launched
The NYC Health Department piloted a community HCV rapid testing and linkage to care program in 2012. This later evolved into the Check Hep B and Check Hep C Patient Navigation Program, which provides outreach, navigation through testing, linkage to care, and clinical care coordination services. This program was funded by NYC Council in 2014 at 33 community organizations, syringe programs, health centers and hospitals.
2010
OCTOBER
HCV Care and Treatment Initiative launched
The HCV Care and Treatment Initiative supports primary care-based integrated models of HCV care and treatment within Article 28 health care facilities that: 1) increase the number of people living with HCV who are linked to care; 2) increase HCV treatment initiation and completion rates; and 3) increase the number of people cured of HCV. This is accomplished by conducting targeted outreach and recruitment, linkage and care coordination to assist people with HCV and HIV/HCV in accessing timely HCV medical care and appropriate supportive services delivered by a multidisciplinary team in a primary care setting. Programs serve all people with HCV in an equitable manner, with attention to ensuring non-discriminatory care to those currently underserved and socially disadvantaged.
2008
APRIL
HCV appropriation in NYS Executive Budget; $1.17M
2005
AUGUST
First meeting with HCV community held
Beginning in 2005 through 2016, the AIDS Institute convened meetings with HCV community members to facilitate community input and to achieve consensus on priorities for hepatitis C planning and policy development. In late 2016, the community began its own work on HCV elimination, which culminated in the convening of the NYS Summit on HCV Elimination and the establishment of the HCV community consensus statement outlining recommendations for eliminating hepatitis C in NYS.
2004
DECEMBER
New York State released Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan
The NYS Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan provides a roadmap to maximize the effectiveness of the work of a diverse array of stakeholders engaged in fighting viral hepatitis in NYS. The Mission of the Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan is to outline a coordinated, comprehensive and systematic approach that will decrease the incidence and reduce the morbidity and mortality of viral hepatitis. The Vision is a State where viral hepatitis has been eliminated; where all New Yorkers have access to effective prevention services, know their viral hepatitis status, and have access to high quality health care and treatment, free from stigma and discrimination.
OCTOBER
NYS released Clinical Guidelines for the management of HCV
In 2004, the NYS DOH convened a panel of experts in the field of HCV medical care, and consumers to develop HCV clinical guidelines. The purpose of the guidelines was to provide clinicians with practical, state-of-the-art information on the diagnosis, medical management, and prevention of HCV infection.
JANUARY
Hep Free NYC launched
Community members and the health department formed the first viral hepatitis focused community coalition, the NYC Hep C Task Force in 2004 and the Hep B Coalition in 2009, and these coalitions joined under Hep Free NYC 2012. The coalition is still operating in 2022 with over 200 organizations that participate in regular meetings, and over 3000 individuals that participate in meetings and online. The coalition convenes stakeholders, shares information, resources, opportunities, best practices, and works to address public health gaps and challenges.
2002
JANUARY
NYS and NYC recieve funding from CDC for an HCV coordinator and HCV surveillance coordinator
LEGEND
Care & Treatment
Criminal Justice
Data
Funding
Testing
Prevention
Media Campaign
Meetings
Patient Navigation
Policy
Plans
Last updated June 2025