Program Context
Florida continues to experience a disproportionate burden of Hepatitis C, particularly among underserved populations facing barriers to consistent healthcare access. Prior to program implementation, testing and treatment services were fragmented, with many individuals diagnosed but not successfully linked to or completing curative therapy.
Lifeline Health partnered locally to implement a community-embedded Hepatitis C program focused on reducing drop-off across the care continuum.
Public Health Challenge
Key challenges identified included:
- Low testing uptake in high-risk populations
- Delays between diagnosis and treatment initiation
- Loss to follow-up after positive test results
- Administrative and systemic barriers to accessing curative therapy
Although effective treatments were available, structural gaps limited population-level impact.
Program Design
Lifeline Health implemented an integrated Hepatitis C program built around four core components:
Accessible Testing
Low-barrier, confidential Hepatitis C testing offered in community-focused clinical settings to increase early identification.
Rapid Linkage to Treatment
Streamlined pathways to connect individuals who tested positive to evidence-based treatment, minimizing delays between diagnosis and care initiation.
Care Coordination and Navigation
Dedicated support to assist with scheduling, paperwork, and system navigation, reducing administrative friction that often disrupts treatment access.
Treatment Completion Support
Ongoing engagement designed to support adherence and completion of therapy, recognizing that cure depends on continuity as much as access.
Implementation
The program was implemented through collaboration with local healthcare providers and community partners. Operational workflows were standardized to ensure consistent follow-up while remaining flexible to individual needs.
Key implementation features included:
- Clear handoffs between testing and treatment services
- Defined follow-up checkpoints to reduce loss to care
- Emphasis on patient trust, confidentiality, and non-judgmental engagement
Outcomes and Observations
Program evaluation focused on indicators aligned with Hepatitis C elimination goals, including:
- Increased testing engagement among underserved populations
- Improved linkage to treatment following diagnosis
- Higher rates of treatment initiation compared to baseline fragmentation
- Sustained engagement through treatment completion
While outcomes varied by individual circumstances, the integrated model demonstrated that coordinated, community-based care improves continuity and follow-through.
Lessons Learned
- Testing alone is insufficient without intentional linkage and follow-up
- Navigation support plays a critical role in treatment completion
- Community trust significantly influences engagement and retention
- Simplified workflows reduce delays and administrative burden
These lessons informed ongoing refinement of the program model.
Replication Potential
The Florida Hepatitis C program was intentionally designed for replication.
Key features supporting scalability include:
- Standardized care pathways
- Adaptability to different community settings
- Compatibility with public health and clinical partners
- Clear outcome indicators aligned with elimination efforts
The model can be adapted to other regions seeking to reduce Hepatitis C prevalence through community-based interventions.