From “White Paper” to Legislation How the Texas Department of Health Advocated for a Public Health Response to HCV

Hepatitis Coordinator’s Conference January 28, 2003 Casey S. Blass, Acting Chief Bureau of Immunization and Pharmacy Support Texas Department of Health

How the Public Health Response Took Shape Winter/Spring 1998 – TDH convened HCV workgroup Original Purpose – Public Health’s Role in the National “Lookback” Participants – TDH staff (Infectious Disease, HIV/STD, Laboratory), Local Health Department staff, Blood Banks, Hospitals, HCV Advocacy Groups

How the Public Health Response Took Shape TDH HCV Workgroup met monthly Discussion led to recognition that a broad based, proactive response to HCV infection was warranted. TDH proposed, and group supported development of a White Paper on HCV in Texas

How the Public Health Response Took Shape Summer/Fall 1998 – TDH developed and published White Paper “Hepatitis C: An Emerging Health Concern for Texans” www.tdh.state.tx.us/ideas/factsht/hcvwhite.pdf

How the Public Health Response Took Shape Key White Paper Recommendations Public Education Provider Education Integrate HCV Counseling and Testing into Existing HIV/STD Infrastructure Ongoing Surveillance and Seroprevalence Studies

Involving Advocates and Policy Makers During Development of White Paper Legislative Liaisons for HCV advocacy groups participated in TDH Workgroup Legislative Aide for House Member joined the workgroup. Policy Analysts from the Governor’s Office briefed on the Workgroup and the White Paper

Involving Advocates and Policy Makers Legislative Aides/Policy Analysts reviewed and provided comments on the draft White Paper White Paper published prior to beginning of 76th Legislative Session in 1999 TDH conducted Legislative Briefings as requested Copies of White Paper distributed to Legislative Leadership as requested

Legislation Representative Maxey (his Aide was a member of the workgroup) drafted Legislation based on White Paper and existing HIV/STD law. Advocates and Maxey’s staff identify Senate Sponsor

Legislation Advocates use White Paper to educate Legislators Advocates and Legislators collaborate for House and Senate Committee testimony Bill Passes, signed by Governor, becomes effective September 1, 1999

Legislation Basic Components of Legislation Professional Education Public Information Counseling and Testing in Existing HIV/STD Sites Training of Counselors Seroprevalence Studies

Funding Current Appropriations Approximately $1,500,000 per year in State General Revenue Funds

The Program Counseling and Testing – 9/1/00 through 5/31/02 – 29,612 counseled, 24,926 tested, 7,113 positive (28.5%) Professional Training – UT Southwestern Medical School – Didactic and Practicums for Clinicans Seroprevalence Studies

The Program Immunizations for Hepatitis A and B Offered (19% of positive clients) Public Information/Education – Two award winning media campaigns

Additional Legislation 2001, 77th Texas Legislature Requirements for HCV continuing education for nurses Requirement for State Plan (TDH) Requirement for Integration of Hepatitis into the HIV Coordinating Council for State Agencies (TDH)

Contacts at TDH Counseling and Testing Professional Education Felipe.rocha@tdh.state.tx.us Professional Education Jay.todd@tdh.state.tx.us Public Information Alma.thompson@tdh.state.tx.us Seroprevalence/Surveillance Gary.heseltine@tdh.state.tx.us

Thank You for your Attention Casey S. Blass Casey.blass@tdh.state.tx.us 512/458-7607