Hep Free AZ

Hep Free AZ is a grassroots volunteer coalition fighting to eliminate hepatitis C in Arizona.

08/19/2026

Things you Otter know: Hepatitis C facts & myths

Myth: My Hep C antibody test was reactive, so I have Hep C.

Fact: A reactive Hep C antibody test means you have been exposed to Hepatitis C at some point. It does not tell you whether you currently have a Hep C infection.

A reactive Hep C antibody test is not the same as a Hep C diagnosis.

The antibody test is the first step! It tells us whether your body has made antibodies to Hepatitis C. If your Hep C antibody test result is reactive, a follow-up HCV RNA test is recommended to determine whether there is a current Hep C infection.

Knowing the difference matters and can reduce stigma and confusion while streamlining the process.

And remember: Hep C is curable.

08/10/2026

You Otter know hepatitis C facts and myths.

Myth: Once I’m cured of hepatitis C, I can never get it again.

Fact: You can get hepatitis C again after being cured or clearing the virus. This is called reinfection. Being cured does not make you immune to future hepatitis C infection.

But there is good news. Hepatitis C is curable! Current treatments can cure most people in 8 to 12 weeks. But because there is no vaccine and no lasting immunity after cure, prevention and regular testing remain critical.

Cured doesn’t mean immune. Get Screened. Get treated. Prevent reinfection.

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07/28/2026

Today is World Hepatitis Day.

Millions of people are living with viral hepatitis, and many don't know they have it because symptoms often don't appear until serious liver damage has already occurred.

The good news? Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination, and hepatitis C is curable with highly effective treatment. Early testing can save lives by connecting people to the care they need before complications develop.

Together, we can:

Ensure everyone has the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about hepatitis testing, treatment, and vaccination.

Advocate for the resources and policies that support communities affected by viral hepatitis.

End stigma and make sure no one is left behind.

Recognize that eliminating hepatitis isn't just possible—it's achievable when we work together.

This World Hepatitis Day, take a moment to learn the facts, start a conversation, encourage testing, and help break down the barriers to care. Every action brings us one step closer to eliminating viral hepatitis.

07/24/2026

Each year on July 28, communities around the world recognize World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and the actions we can take to prevent it, detect it early, and connect people to treatment and care.

Viral hepatitis affects nearly 300 million people worldwide, and approximately 1.3 million people die each year from hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Despite effective vaccines, evidence-based prevention strategies, and highly effective treatments, deaths from viral hepatitis continue to increase globally.

World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of viral hepatitis, the challenges faced by people living with hepatitis, and the importance of expanding access to prevention, testing, vaccination, treatment, and care. Together, we can help reduce stigma and work toward eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

How will you recognize World Hepatitis Day this year?

Will you:

🟢 Talk with your community about prevention and treatment?
🟢 Learn more about viral hepatitis?
🟢 Get tested or encourage someone else to get tested?
🟢 Share facts to help reduce stigma?
🟢 Attend a local World Hepatitis Day event?

EndHepatitis

07/18/2026

FREE community liver health info and resources this weekend, July 18th, 9am-1pm at Genesis Church hosted by United Liver

Meet liver experts, liver advocates, find community health services,ask questions, learn, get your liver screened for free, cool off from the heat, grab fun giveaways, and more.

Partners include Arizona Clinical Trials, Arizona Liver Health, Hep Free AZ - Arizona’s Hep C Elimination Advisory Coalition, Leaders in Liver, Farmaceutica per passione PBC Research Foundation FibroScan by Echosens, Takeda, Madrigal, Hope From John Ellis, PBCers Organization, World Hepatitis Day, Echosens, and Project ECHO for making this event possible.

See you there!!

06/29/2026

Hep Free AZ Newsletter features a Community Spotlight Story each month, amplifying the voice and story of a person living with or cured of Hep C. We are sharing Marti's story from our June newsletter.

If you are interested in reading more stories, subscribe to our newsletter. Here is the link to subscribe: https://hivaz.org/hep-free-az/ or the link in our bio.

If you or someone you know is interested in sharing your/their Hep C story, or wants more information about how to share your Hep C story dm us and we will send you all the information to do so. Our focus for stories is limited to people residing in Arizona.

The viewpoints shared in this story belong to the featured community member and do not reflect the position of Hep Free AZ or any participating agencies.

05/20/2026

Today at 12pm MST, hear from Kayla Kurti at Endless Revival Training as part of the regularly scheduled Lunch & Learn series through the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Kayla brings years of expertise providing training and education, and we look forward to today’s discussion on Hepatitis C and people who use drugs in recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month.

These conversations are critical to advancing evidence-based, stigma-free approaches to care, prevention, testing, and treatment. Don’t miss it!

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05/19/2026

Today, May 19th, we recognize both National Hepatitis Testing Day and Arizona Hepatitis Testing Day.

This marks the third year Governor Hobbs has signed statewide proclamations recognizing May 19 as Arizona Hepatitis Testing, reinforcing Arizona’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis through testing, prevention, treatment access, and community collaboration.

Viral hepatitis continues to impact communities across Arizona and the United States, and many people do not know they are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Increasing access to testing, vaccination, treatment, and education remains critical to elimination efforts.

At Hep Free AZ, we are proud to support statewide strategies that align with the CDC's goals and Arizona’s Hepatitis Elimination Plan.

This Arizona and National Hepatitis Testing Day: Get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, learn about prevention, vaccination, and treatment options, and help reduce stigma through education and awareness.

Get tested today!

05/18/2026

It's Hepatitis Awareness Month!

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver helps filter blood, process nutrients, store energy, and fight infections. When the liver becomes inflamed or damaged, these important functions can be affected.

There are steps people can take to protect themselves from Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Getting tested is important because many people do not experience symptoms and may not know they have hepatitis.

Vaccination can help prevent Hepatitis B. Using sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings, and drug use, and avoiding sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood. For those living with hepatitis, there is treatment and care available. Hepatitis C can be cured, and Hepatitis B can be managed with ongoing medical care.

05/13/2026

Hepatitis Awareness Month is a reminder that viral hepatitis continues to impact millions of people worldwide. Many people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C are unaware they have it until serious liver damage has already occurred.

Early testing, vaccination for hepatitis A and B, education, and access to healthcare can save lives. Hepatitis C is curable, and treatment can dramatically improve long-term health outcomes.

Awareness, education, and early intervention are key to prevention and improving health outcomes. Encouraging routine testing and reducing stigma can help more people access care and treatment sooner.

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