We offer same day appointments
for our patients.
Call us at 413-420-2200
to learn more.
Our mission at the Holyoke Health Center is to "Improve the health of our patients through affordable, quality health care and comprehensive community-based programs to create a healthy community."
Hepatitis C Treatment
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the blood-borne hepatitis C virus. Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death.
How can hepatitis C be transmitted?
- Injection drug use (currently the most common means of transmission in the U.S.)
- Needlestick injuries in health care settings
- Birth to an infected mother
- Much less often, hepatitis C can spread through:
- Sex with an HCV-infected person
- Sharing personal items contaminated with infectious blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
- Unregulated tattooing
Testing & Treatment
The Center for Recovery & Support provides testing to determine if you are infected with hepatitis C. Testing is available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours.
You should get tested if you are:
- A person currently or used to inject drugs
- A person with HIV infection
- Exposed to hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can be treated and cured with oral medication in as little as 8 weeks. Hepatitis C treatment is available through our Center for Recovery & Support and by prescription at our Holyoke and Chicopee pharmacies. For more information about hepatitis C treatment, talk to your provider or a member of our Center for Recovery & Support team, or call us.