HepC Alliance, a community-focused nonprofit organization, gives hope and support to individuals affected by hepatitis C in Missouri. Founded with a deeply personal mission, this nonprofit organization has evolved from its humble beginnings into a regional force for hepatitis C education, testing, and treatment access.
The HepC Alliance traces its roots back to the early 2000s when Bruce Burkett, now the former Executive Director, discovered he was living with this virus. Frustrated by the utter lack of local support groups, Bruce took matters into his own hands, founding an online community that eventually blossomed into the HepC Alliance. Established officially in 1999 as Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance (MoHepC), this nonprofit initially served Mid-Missouri and since has expanded its reach across 85 counties in the state.
Under the leadership of current Executive Director, Christine Sewell, the organization was renamed HepC Alliance in 2014 to reflect its vision of reaching across the nation. The organization collaborates closely with Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs) and receives essential support from partners like Gilead Sciences and Abbvie, enabling them to offer free hepatitis C antibody testing and recently introduced confirmatory tests.
The importance of these services cannot be overstated. With about 400 lab tests offered through their Patients Assistance for Lab Services (PALS) program, HepC Alliance bridges the gap for uninsured and underinsured individuals, ensuring access to critical diagnostic tools that would otherwise be financially prohibitive.
“Education remains our cornerstone,” states the Executive Director, “Many still associate hepatitis C with intravenous drug use and sexual activities, overlooking these other transmission routes.” Contrary to these common misconceptions, hepatitis C does not exclusively affect one demographic. While historically associated with the aforementioned intravenous drug use, the virus can be transmitted through various means, including improperly sterilized medical equipment or even sharing personal items like toothbrushes.
HepC Alliance aims to dispel myths and raise awareness about the diverse ways in which hepatitis C can be contracted. “Increasingly, we’ve been noticing a demographic between 20 to 40 year-olds affected by this virus,” notes Christine. “Contrary to common misconceptions, this virus doesn’t discriminate based on lifestyle alone. From blood transfusions to unhygienic medical practices, hepatitis C can affect anyone. Many of whom are unaware of their risk or may not have symptoms for years. Our goal is to reach these individuals early, connect them with medical care, and ensure they receive the necessary support.”
Looking ahead, the nonprofit aims to replicate the success of HIV prevention models, advocating for broader testing initiatives across primary care settings. With the vision to expand nationally, HepC Alliance seeks to enhance its impact, potentially offering widespread hepatitis C testing through partnerships and sponsorship.
As the landscape of hepatitis C management evolves, HepC Alliance continues to play a pivotal role in promoting awareness, testing, and treatment. With each test conducted and each patient connected to care, the organization moves closer to its goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
