About five percent of Philadelphia residents have a past or current hepatitis A, B, or C infection. Many people are unaware of their infection.
Hepatitis C (or HCV) is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the US. If left untreated it can lead to serious liver problems such as cirrhosis or cancer. There are as many as 5 million people in the United States living with Hepatitis C and most people who are living with HCV are unaware they are infected with the virus. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public health, an estimated 53,000 people in Philadelphia are living with HCV. Hepatitis C can be cured and the C a Difference program can assist those living with HCV to obtain subspecialty care. High-quality confidential testing, education, and linkage services are provided in our offices and at various sites throughout the city.