The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a $100 million pilot funding opportunity aimed at eliminating Hepatitis C (HCV) among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI). The program specifically targets communities that are heavily impacted by homelessness and aims to improve prevention, testing, treatment, and cure rates for HCV, a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus.
The Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot will be developed and administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is designed to help identify individuals affected by HCV, ensure they complete treatment, achieve a cure, and minimize reinfection. The pilot will also provide critical insights into effective care models for vulnerable populations.
State and community-based organizations are eligible to apply for the funding. The initiative addresses the intersection of Hepatitis C with addiction, mental illness, and housing instability—conditions that often go hand in hand. If left untreated, HCV can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Thanks to advances in medicine, Hepatitis C can now be treated with highly effective oral antiviral drugs, typically over an 8–12 week course, resulting in high cure rates. This funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in both public health outcomes and long-term cost savings for community healthcare systems.
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