HCV Seek, Test and Rapid Treatment for Young PWID

"The intervention arm receives same-day medical evaluation and treatment for hepatitis C. They receive medical evaluation, laboratory assessment , baseline questionnaire/interview, and distribution of a medication (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) starter pack on the day of enrollment. Participants who are HCV RNA negative are discontinued from the study. Other participants start medications and receive weekly text messages during 12 weeks of provided sofusbuvir/velpatasvir treatment."

articipants in the control arm will be provided facilitated referral to community HCV providers by an on-site care coordinator already facilitating care at the community site. HCV RNA negative participants will be called to inform them of these results, and then followed separately. HCV RNA positive participants will be asked during the semi-structured interviews as at 12, 24, 36 and 48 week if they engaged in HCV treatment to assess whether their HCV referral has been filled, and to record their current HCV treatment status. They will also receive repeat HCV RNA testing at week 12, 24, and 48. Participants that have started treatment will be asked to sign consent for release of medical records pertaining to HCV-related laboratory testing to determine achievement of treatment response.