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Colorado Hepatitis C Support Groups
For individuals infected with hepatitis C and family members affected by hepatitis C. Free and confidential monthly meetings. New members always welcome.
Metro-Denver
Aurora
Spalding Rehab
900 Potomac St.
1st Floor Staff Cafeteria
1st Tuesday
6:30 - 8 pm
Beverly: (720) 231-2264
Englewood
Englewood Library
1000 Englewood Pkwy.
Last Tuesday
6:30 - 8 pm
Beverly: (720) 231-2264
Lakewood
Shepherd of the Hills Church
11500 W. 20th
2nd Wednesday
6:30 - 8 pm
Betsy: (303) 237-1150
Statewide
Boulder YWCA 2222 14th St. Main Floor Mtg. Rm. 2nd Wednesday 6 - 7:30 pm Carrie: (303) 875-2568 Fort Collins Poudre Valley Health Systems 2121 E. Harmony 3rd Floor Last Wednesday 6:30 - 8 pm Jerry: (970) 214-2912
CO Springs
7606 N. Union Blvd.
Suite E
(Please enter through Suite D)
3rd Tuesday
6 - 7:30 pm
Heather: (719) 649-0145 Pueblo *Temporarily on hold - stay tuned for updates! For information regarding support groups in other states, please call our HelpLine at 800-522-HEPC (4372) | | |
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Dear ,
Welcome to the June 2012 edition of
Connections!
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Free Hepatitis B & C Classes | |
Click Here to Sign Up!
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First Ever National Hepatitis Testing Day!
Celebrated May 18, 2012 | |
Denver City Concilman Paul Lopez presented a proposal to proclaim May 19, 2012 as National Hepatitis Testing Day in Denver to The Denver City Council on May 14, 2012. Hep C Connection Executive Director, Nancy Steinfurth supported the proclamation by presenting the many reasons why persons with risk factors should get tested for HCV to Council members and the general public. The Denver City Council passed the proclamation which was great news to start off our week of extended hours for HCV testing. National Hepatitis Testing Day was celebrated on May 18th as May 19th was a Saturday.
click here to enlarge the proclamation
In celebration of the first ever National Hepatitis Testing Day we offered free walk-in testing from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm on Friday, May 18. Walk-in clients were greeted by excited volunteers and staff who were eager to offer rapid HCV antibody tests and confirmatory tests. The first person arrived 15 minutes before we were scheduled to start testing and the last person left at 3:45, almost an hour after our scheduled testing hours. We were very pleased with the turn-out. The successful day of testing was made possible through weeks of preparation by representatives from Denver Health, Hey Denver, Sisters of Color, CDPHE, Harm Reduction, and Hep C Connection. There were five testing sites throughout the metro Denver area which tested 71 persons on May 18th, 2012.
The energetic HCV testers on National Hepatitis Testing Day 2012
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Summer Health Fairs |
June 9
Derby Days: HCV Education and Testing
Magnolia Street
Commerce City, CO
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
June 16 and 17
Denver PrideFest 2012: HCV Education and Testing
Civic Center Park
Denver, CO
July 14
Ladies Run: HCV Education and Testing
Fairplay, CO
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Articles of Interest | |
CDC Releases Birth Cohort HCV Screening Guidelines and Funding Announcement
Alan Franciscus / HCV Advocate
05/18/2012
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released draft guidelines for baby boomers to do a one time test for the hepatitis C virus. The current guideline recommends testing just the persons that have a known risk factor. Public comments on the draft may be given between May 22, 2012 and June 8, 2012. The CDC also announced an increase in funding for hepatitis C screening.
Original Article
ACH-3102 Receives Fast Track Designation From the FDA for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
Achillion
05/15/2012
ACH-3102, a drug under development by Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is given the Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This designation allows for potentially decreasing the amount of time it takes a drug to go on the market. ACH-3102 would create more options for treatment of the hepatitis C virus because it is part of a combination of drugs that does not use interferon.
Original Article
FDA: Don't Mix New HCV Drug with HIV Drugs
Michael Smith, North American Correspondent / MedPage Today
04/26/2012
Dangerous drug interactions between boceprevir (Victrelis), a drug used in treatment of the hepatitis C virus, and ritonavir (Norvir), a drug used in treatment of HIV exist. The Food and Drug Administration warns physicians who are treating co-infected patients to carefully monitor their patients if they are currently taking a combination of these medications.
Original Article
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Featured Clinical Trials |
Hep C Connection features one or more clinical trials happening in the Denver-Metro area in each issue. For more information or to enroll, please click on the link or call the contact person listed below. To find clinical trials in your city, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov or call us at 1-800-522-HEPC and we can walk you through the website.
BMS AI447 029 Study
A Phase 3, Open-Label Study with Asunaprevir and Daclatasvir Plus Peginterferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys) and Ribavirin (Copegus) (QUAD) for Subjects Who are Null/Partial Responders to P/R with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotypes 1a, 1b and 4 infection
Inclusion Criteria:
-Men and women greater than 18 years of age
-HCV Genotype 1 or 4 who previously failed treatment with peginterferon alga-2a and ribavirin (P/R),
-Subjects with compensated cirrhosis are permitted Exclusion Criteria:
-Subjects with HIV and/or HBV infection
-Prior treatment of HCV with HCV direct acting antiviral
-Evidence of decompensated liver disease
-Diagnosed or suspected hepatocellular carcinoma or other malignancies
-Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
-Please see complete list at www.clinicaltrials.gov
Contact Andrea Herman, RN, University of Colorado Hospital 303-724-1865
Clinical Trials Identification #: NCT01573351
BMS AI447 028 Study
A Phase 3 with Asunaprevir and Daclatasvir (DUAL) for Null/Partial-Responders to Peginterferon Alfa 2a and Ribavirin, Intolerant/Ineligible-Naïve to P/R Subjects and Treatment Naïve Subjects with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1b Infection
Inclusion Criteria:
-Men and women ages 18 to 70
-HCV Genotype 1b who previously failed treatment with peginterferon alga and ribavirin, intolerant or ineligible to peginterferon alga and ribavirin, or treatment naïve
-Subjects with compensated cirrhosis are permitted
Exclusion Criteria:
-Infection with HIV or HBV
-Prior treatment of HCV with HCV direct acting antiviral
-Chronic liver disease other than HCV
-Evidence of decompensated liver disease
-Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
-Diagnosed or suspected hepatocellular carcinoma or other malignancies
Clinical Trials Identification #: NCT01581203
Contact: Jennifer DeSanto, RN, University of Colorado Hospital (303-724-1861)
BMS AI 452-008 D-Lite study
A Phase 2B, randomized study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) administered with Ribavirin plus a single direct antiviral agent (BMS-790052 or BMS-650032) versus Pegasys administered with Ribavirin (Part A) and of Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) administered with or without Ribavirin plus 2 direct antiviral agents (BMS 790052 and BMS-650032) (Part B) in chronic hepatitis C genotype-1 treatment naïve subjects.
Inclusion Criteria:
-Men and women ages 18 to 70 with genotype 1 and that have had a liver biopsy in the last 2 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
-Any liver disease other than HCV
-Co-infection with HIV
-diagnosed or suspected heptacellular carcinoma
-Medical history that would prohibit the use of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a or Ribavirin
Contact: Lauri Filar, University of Colorado Hospital (303-724-1866)
Clinical Trials Identification #: NCT01309932
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"Hepatitis C and Nutrition" Follow-up | |
We send a big thank you to Dr. Mary Harris, PhD, RD. On May 10, 2012 Dr. Harris presented information on how to eat well with hepatitis C, liver-healthy foods, and nutrition tips for those on hepatitis C triple therapy treatment. The audience learned a lot of new information, was very pleased with the presentation, and enjoyed a delicious liver-healthy dinner! We also thank all of the community members who attended the presentation. Their participation and eagerness to learn made for a very enjoyable evening! We all left curious about the "dirty dozen", therefore Dr. Harris sent us a link to the Environmental Working Groups list of fruits and vegetables ranked according to amount of pesticides used in cultivation. Here it is: The Full List: 53 Fruits and Veggies. Enjoy! |
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2012 Desserts & Delights | |
Mark your calendars! Hep C Connection's 2012 Desserts & Delights will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2012.
Now in its 7th year, Desserts & Delights emphasizes the fun side of life - nurturing your inner child through chocolate, artwork, golf, weekend getaways, spa days, and more! Guests will imbibe on a variety of desserts while enjoying 360-degree views from the penthouse at the Courtyard by Marriott Cherry Creek and being entertained by The Polite Jazz Quartet. |
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Opportunities to Support Hep C Connection |
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Historic Walking Tour of LODO with Dennis Gallagher |
Learn about downtown Denver's seedier side through a historic walking tour with Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher. The tour is scheduled for 3 PM on Sunday, June 10th and will wind its way through the oldest part of the city focusing on its early history, gold mining, gambling, the red light district, and bars! Please meet on the 17th Street sidewalk in front of the Oxford Hotel and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Tickets are $25 per person. Plan on looking every bit the tourist as you discover the more fascinating aspects of our great city! Food, parking and transportation not included. Contact Nancy Steinfurth for tickets.
nsteinfurth@hepc-connection.org
(720) 917-3965
Silpada Party!
In remembrance of her late husband, Joni Pfeffer excels as Silpada business leader and fundraiser for the hepatitis C cause. Silpada jewelry events brought motivation and joy to Joni's life during the emotionally and financially tough times caused by the hepatitis C treatment that her husband underwent. Today, Joni is a national business leader and Hep C Connection supporter. Buyers can select "Hep C Connection Fundraiser in memory of Eugene Strauber" while buying jewelry and Joni will donate her commission to Hep C Connection. Below are the instructions for completing the transaction online. There will also be a live event for people who enjoy parties and having fun while shopping. This Silpada party will be hosted by Mary and Josh O'Rourke at 6678 S. Acoma Street, Littleton, CO at 5:00 PM. We hope to see you there!
Online shopping instructions:
-Link to Silpada website: www.mysilpada.com/Joni.pfeffer
-Click on "Shop Silpada Catalogue"
-Select your items
-Select Check out
-View Hostess List
-Select "Hep C Connection Fundraiser in Memory of Eugene Strauber"
-Continue to check out
Rockies Tickets Are Back!
Join us in cheering on the Rockies while enjoying spectacular views of the City and Rocky Mountains from Coors Field! Tickets for the September 12, 2012 Colorado Rockies against the San Francisco Giants game are available for purchase. Bring a glove to look all the pro while catching a fly ball as seats are located in section 117, along 1st base! Tickets are $32.00 each and your purchase supports Hep C Connection's yearly activities such as outreach events, testing appointments, and the HelpLine (just to name a few).
Contact Nancy Steinfurth for tickets.
nsteinfurth@hepc-connection.org,
(720) 917-3965
Or send a check to:
Hep C Connection
1325 S. Colorado Blvd., B-302
Denver 80222
Deadline to purchase tickets is August 13, 2012. Go Rockies! |
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Thank you, Andrea Kuwik |
Hep C Connection thanks Andrea Kuwik for the talent and hard work that she brought to Hep C Connection. Starting in the fall of 2011 and ending on May 29, 2012, Andrea interned at Hep C Connection. Some of her work included staffing support groups, developing a patient navigator protocol, and answering HelpLine questions. We wish her the best as she continues to enrich her career in social work. |
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Desserts & Delights 2012 | |
For the past few months we've been collecting many auction items that are sure to be a hit at Desserts & Delights 2012! However, we are always excited to add to the current line-up. If you would like to donate or know someone who would, please contact Sascha Larsen-Helbing at
slh@hepc-connection.org or (720) 917-3972. We would love to include items such as a gift certificate for a
relaxing massage, a piece of finely hand-crafted jewelry, or a fly fishing guided trip! The list goes on and we greatly appreciate all items!
We also invite anyone who would like to help with other D&D projects such as designing the program, decoration, etc. to contact us.
 | | Guests selecting desserts while enjoying music by The Polite Jazz Quartet |
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Facebook Transition & Prize Drawing | |
For those of you who connect with us on Facebook, we wanted to let you know that we are in the process of transitioning from a Profile (with friends) to a Page (with likes). Not that we don't LOVE having all of you as a friends, but Facebook regulations specify that organizations need to be in the page format. Please go "like" us when you get a chance! Your "like" automatically qualifies you for entry into five prize drawings that will take place during our official countdown of the closure of our Profile. The countdown starts May 1, 2012 and ends August 1, 2012!
61 Days to go!
Thanks! |
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