In conjunction with local Tri-Cities healthcare providers Kadlec, Range Community Clinic and Molina Healthcare of Washington, The ElimiNATION Awareness Tour will be at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering education about hepatitis C and offering virus antibody screenings and confirmatory tests.

The ElimiNATION Awareness Tour travels the country, working with local health departments, health clinics and nonprofit organizations to provide counseling on HCV risk factors, treatment options and care coordination to help reduce some of the barriers individuals may encounter along the continuum of care.

Kadlec is a team of dedicated caregivers, committed to providing safe, compassionate care and improving the health of southeastern Washington. The Range Community Clinic aspires to create healthier communities through care and education, delivering services to diverse communities across Washington.

Molina Healthcare of Washington is proud to support The ElimiNATION Awareness Tour, which contracts with the Health Care Authority, to bring Hep-C screenings, education and resources to communities in need across the state.

In addition to free testing, local staff will provide education and counseling on HCV and its risk factors and offer local treatment options and care coordination to help reduce barriers individuals may encounter along the continuum of care. Anyone who receives a positive test result will be provided with information about getting the important care they need through the Range Community Clinic.

Over 2.4 million Americans are living with hepatitis C, and many don’t even know it. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that is spread through encounters with infected blood. Those who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 or work in health care settings with potential blood-to-blood exposure should be screened for HCV. Past or present injection substance use, sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes with someone who has the virus, or receiving tattoos or body piercings in unregulated settings can all pose exposure risks. This virus infects people and may not reveal symptoms for many years. Hepatitis C can become a chronic, long-term illness causing serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There are several treatments available that can cure most people with chronic hepatitis C. The ElimiNATION Awareness Tour provides access to educational resources and an opportunity for people to take proactive measures with their health.