Theme: Models of Care Year: 2018
Background:
In 2017 the U.S. National Academy of Medicine developed goals for elimination of hepatitis C
virus (HCV) as a public health threat with recommended actions by 2030, including a 90%
reduction in new cases and a 65% mortality reduction. Despite enthusiasm for the feasibility of
these goals, few resources have been allocated nationally to achieve them. The state of New
Mexico (NM), which has a disproportionate burden of HCV and associated liver disease,
established a HCV Elimination Collaborative “END hepC-NM“ in 2017, to collectively plan and
initiate efforts toward state-level HCV elimination.
Approach:
END hepC-NM includes multiple stakeholders: NM Department of Health, University of NM,
Project ECHO®, Department of Corrections, Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology
Center, Tri-Core Laboratories, Centennial Care (representing 4 managed care organizations),
patients, and advocacy groups. We have agreed to adopt an incremental approach to HCV
elimination, focused on our Medicaid population which is inclusive of multiple risk groups and
represents about half of the NM population. Strategic planning incorporates a shared leadership
approach and subgroups inform the whole. A shared mission is to leverage existing resources
to end HCV transmission and to identify and cure people with HCV in NM.
Outcome:
The END hepC-NM project is finalizing the strategic plan with both short term (5-year) and long
terms (2030) goals . 73 members from 31 unique organizations participate, including in the
development of the strategic plan. Collaborative efforts in NM have resulted in liberal HCV
treatment guidelines with no restrictions by disease stage, provider type, or abstinence.
Conclusion:
The strategic plan will be finalized June 2018. Year one of the END hepC-NM elimination
project will begin July 1, 2018. The collaborative will seek resources to further the plan, and
reach targeted HCV elimination goals by 2030.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
None.