HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, Tuberculosis Brief Risk Intervention

Substance use disorders, which can range from people using alcohol or any other substances such as opioids, heroin, and meth have been linked to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, people who use alcohol or other drugs are at high risk for contracting and transmitting HIV. They are also at risk for hepatitis B and C, which are viral infections that attack the liver. Given the risk factors of these diseases, it is important to understand how they are contracted and transmitted, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

How is HIV and Hepatitis B & C passed from one person to another? 

Like HIV, hepatitis B and C spread mainly through bodily fluids through the following:

• Using and sharing unsterilized needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
• Having unprotected sex.

Ways to Prevent HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C

Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B and C. The best way to prevent contracting and transmitting these diseases is to:

• Stop using and sharing unsterilized needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
• Use protection every time you have sex.
• Get a blood test through your doctor or you can contact your County Health Department to find a location where you can get a blood test near you.

If you are still using and sharing unsterilized needles and are unwilling to stop, your country’s health department can instruct you on ways you can clean needles to reduce your risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. Read FAQ about Hep C.

Risk of Tuberculosis (TB)

The CDC has also determined people who use alcohol or other drug substances have a greater risk of contracting Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs and can also impact other soft-tissue organs. This infection is spread from person to person through the air. For example, when an infected person sneezes or coughs, others nearby may breathe in TB bacteria in the air and also become infected. With proper treatment, TB can be cured, but new strains of the disease have shown they have become resistant to antibiotics, making them practically incurable. Many state regulations require individuals entering addiction treatment centers to be tested to rule out active TB. Check with your nearest treatment center for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns about HIV, hepatitis B or C, or TB, please talk with an intake counselor or call your state’s HIV/AIDS hotline here.

National Resources

National Hotline for Help and Support for Hep C: 877-HELP-4-HEP
The National Hotline offers patients referrals to experienced hepatitis C doctors for medical visits, labs, medications, and support groups.

Directory of Local Health Departments:
The State Department of Health will be able to assist you to find the nearest testing site for HIV/Hep C/TB.
Find your Local Health Department using your state or zip code. 

Hepatitis C Treatment Clinics in San Francisco, CA

Haight Ashbury Free Clinic (HealthRIGHT 360)

HealthRIGHT 360 not only provides hepatitis C & HIV testing, counseling, and treatment, but also many other health services including dental, psychiatric, and routine checkups.

*No medical insurance needed.

Mission St. Branch:
1563 Mission Street
San Francisco 94103
415-746-1940
Hours:  M: 8:45 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and T-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Clayton St. Branch
558 Clayton Street
San Francisco 94117
415-746-1950
Hours:  M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFGH) Liver Clinic

Confidential hepatitis C testing and treatment are offered at the ZSFGH Liver Clinic.

1001 Potrero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
Building 5, 3F Suite 3D
Inquiries: 628-206-8823
Scheduling: 628-206-2406
Liver Clinic Hours: M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please call for list of accepted insurance plans.
Other Services: Hepatitis C Class: Wed: 3:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.

San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) Street Medicine

Provides navigation services to help the vulnerable and homeless find shelter and housing as well as provide health-related outreach and care management services.

Dispatch and Outreach Call: 415-355-7401
Request Street Outreach
Dispatch – 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Outreach – 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Therapeutic Transport – 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
SFHOT Referral

By email: 
SFHOTreferral@sfdph.org

By phone: 415-470-3201
For more resources SFHOT offers, please click here.

Tom Waddell Urgent Care Clinic

50 Lech Walesa (Ivy) Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 
415-355-7400

Hours:
M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*Closed on Sundays & holidays.

Tom Waddell Urban Health Transgender (TG) Clinic

Provides integrated healthcare in a trusting and respectful environment to those who identify as transgender. The TG Clinic not only treats medical issues related to gender, but also provides primary care, mental health care, and social services

230 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102

415-355-7400

Hours: Tue: 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

*Please call the TG voicemail line at 415-355-7588 to make an appt.

Berkeley Free Clinic

Provides free counseling and testing if you can provide proof of income or lack of income. Check and see if your gross monthly income corresponding to your household size qualifies by checking on their website.

2339 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
info@berkeleyfreeclinic.org
510-548-2570 (or 800-6-CLINIC)

Clinic Hours:
Clinic days and hours may vary, so be sure to check back on the official website for the most up to date schedules.

Other Bay Area (Local) Resources

End Hep C Services in SF

List of local (San Francisco-based) resources where patients can find the nearest needle exchange, treatment center, etc.

SF Hep C Testing Services List (PDF)

List of local (SF-based) hepatitis testing and vaccination services. Please click on each resource’s individual site or call their number to check for more information and availability.

Covered California

The only place to get federal premium assistance to help Californians buy brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Other Health Insurance/Medical Plan Options

To find more ways to get health insurance, visit healthcare.gov

The Fair Pricing Coalition has programs that offer help with insurance co-pays for HIV and hepatitis C drugs.

Support Groups

American Liver Foundation Support Groups and More

This webpage provides state-based support group contact and information, online support groups, support for caregivers, suggested readings and brochures, among many other subgroups of patients going through various stages of hepatitis C recovery.

vCDC Hep C Information

Hep C General Factsheet

This factsheet provides basic hepatitis C information including, meaning, cause, spread, symptoms and signs, who should get tested, as well as treatment and prevention recommendations. (Spanish Version: Click Here)

Hep C and Injection Drug Use Factsheet

This factsheet provides not only basic hepatitis C information but also information on how the infection is spread and prevention methods, especially among those who inject drugs. (Spanish Version: Click Here)

Viral Hepatitis Information for Gay and Bisexual Men

This factsheet provides general information about hepatitis A, B, and C (viral hepatitis), the severity of viral hepatitis, treatment, vaccinations, and testing, mainly for gay and bisexual men.

More Hep C Information

Hep C Information Center

The American Liver Foundation provides information on hepatitis C diagnosis, treatment, and support groups as well as an email subscription option.

Slideshow Summary of Viral Hepatitis

WebMD provides a short, picture-filled slide presentation on the symptoms, risk factors, and ways each viral hepatitis infection is spread as well as a diagnosis section and who should be tested, and what happens if you test positive.

Learn More About HIV/AIDS

STDs and HIV Factsheet

The STD and HIV Factsheet uses a question and answer format to provide information about the risks and health concerns of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV.

HIV Basics

An overview of HIV/AIDs, including testing and prevention, how to start and stay in HIV care, and living well with HIV.

Information on Health Insurance & Help for Co-payments

Medicaid & Medi-Cal

If you are UNDER THE AGE OF 65 and cannot afford health care or insurance, you can find information on Medicaid & Medi-Cal

Medicare

If you ARE 65 OR OLDER and getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSID), you can find information on Medicare