This project evaluates a Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment model in a county jail setting in Asheville NC. A regional nonprofit community clinic, local county detention center, care coordination community-based organization and regional harm reduction organization (HRO) collaborated. Between April 2024 and March 2025 six semi-structured interviews with representative stakeholders were conducted to identify stakeholder-perceived barriers and potential solutions. Interviews were transcribed and coded by two coders. Results showed barriers related to jail setting, staffing, and funding frequently mentioned by interviewees. Interagency partnerships, shared workflows and case management were crucial components for successful treatment model implementation. Jails remain underutilized for HCV intervention. With appropriate resources, treatment in this setting is feasible. Innovative, community driven models can significantly contribute to HCV elimination and improve public health within the carceral system and in communities. The results of this project indicate that the future policymaking should target jail settings in efforts to decrease disease transmission and the burden of the HCV in Western North Carolina and beyond.
Bicego et al. (Tue,) studied this question.