i_opioidsubstance_2018a_2018-08-22t09:41:55z6 Hearing Summary

Dr. Sarah Rowan, Denver Public Health, discussed infectious diseases related to drug use.  She provided background information about Hepatitis C and HIV.

Dr. Rowan discussed the effects of untreated Hepatitis C.  She spoke about HIV diagnosis related to drug use.  She also discussed the incidents of Hepatitis A and B cases in Colorado and bacterial infections effecting intravenous drug users.  She discussed prevention strategies, barriers within the Medicaid system for treating Hepatitis C, and partnerships to address the disease.

Nancy Steinfurth, Liver Health Connection (LHC), described the work of the LHC.  Ms. Steinfurth referred to a PowerPoint during her presentation [Attachment G].  She discussed the US Health and Human Services perspective that the opioid crisis is part of a syndemic.  She presented recommendations for public policy which partners infectious diseases testing and treatment with substance use treatment.