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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. How the Public Health Response Took Shape
Summer/Fall 1998 – TDH developed and published White Paper “Hepatitis C: An Emerging Health Concern for Texans”

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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)

16. Contacts at TDH Counseling and Testing Professional Education
Professional Education
Public Information
Seroprevalence/Surveillance

17. Thank You for your Attention
Casey S. Blass
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