CVS Health announced this week the launch of expanded services and education for hepatitis patients in Hawaii at Longs Drugs and MinuteClinic locations.
Hepatitis B and C are
associated with liver disease and cancer; Hawaii has the highest rate of liver
cancer in the U.S.
"It's critical that people who may have been exposed to hepatitis be screened for the virus," CVS Chief Medical Officer and MinuteClinic President Dr. Andrew Sussman said. "The longer people live with the virus, the more likely they are to develop serious, life-threatening conditions such as liver disease."
All MinuteClinic locations offer Hepatitis C screenings. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but there are effective treatments to manage and in some cases cure the disease. Longs Drugs pharmacists are also working to educate the public about Hepatitis B and C. While there is no cure for Hepatitis B, there is a vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine series is covered by most insurance plans. There are also treatments that help patients manage the disease. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available at Longs and MinuteClinic locations.
"A simple screening will not only help them learn if they are infected, but can also help them get referred to life-saving care and treatment," Sussman said. "We're happy to be able to provide this important screening to people living in Hawaii, which will help them on their path to better health."
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