VISTA, CA – May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a silent but serious disease affecting millions of Americans. At Vista Community Clinic (VCC), the fight against hepatitis C is year-round. Through its specialized Liver Clinic and mobile medical services, VCC provides expert care and life-saving treatment to patients diagnosed with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a potentially serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), but with proper care, it is now curable with oral medication. VCC’s program offers treatment through a team of trained clinicians located at three VCC sites, with flexible options including telehealth visits and blood draws conducted at the patient’s home clinic.
“Our hepatitis C program is built on accessibility and support,” said Lissette Valle, VCC’s Hep C Specialty Coordinator. “Patients can receive treatment from any VCC location through virtual visits and local lab work. We want to remove as many barriers as possible.”
The treatment typically involves an 8- or 12-week course of oral medication. Patients are monitored throughout the process—at 4 weeks into treatment, at completion, and again 12 and 24 weeks after. If hepatitis C remains undetectable 24 weeks after completing treatment, the patient is considered cured.
In addition to clinical services, VCC’s team of health educators conducts regular community outreach to offer free hepatitis C testing. When someone tests positive, they are immediately referred to the Hep C team—no formal referral is needed.
A clinician on VCC’s mobile medical unit is also undergoing training to provide Hep C treatment support later this year, expanding the reach of services even further.
“Anyone who needs to be tested or treated can call me directly,” said Valle. “We’ll make sure they’re guided through the process and connected to care right away.”
If you or someone you know needs hepatitis C testing or treatment, contact the VCC Hepatitis C program at (760) 631-5000 ext. 2127.
