Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is considered the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. HCV is also one of the leading causes of liver transplantation among adults in the United States. HCV transmission occurs primarily through exposure to infected blood. Direct percutaneous exposure is the most efficient method for transmitting HCV, and injection drug use accounts for more than two-thirds of all new infections in the United States. Methadone treatment programs, needle and syringe exchange programs, and comprehensive risk-modifying educational programs have been shown to be effective in preventing HIV transmission and are likely to be useful for decreasing HCV transmission.

The Hepatitis Education Training for Opioid Treatment Providers, developed by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), serves as an on-site training of clinicians (physicians, physician's assistants, nurses, counselors, etc.) working in methadone treatment programs. The Hepatitis Training for Opioid Treatment Providers is approximately 1.5 hours in length. The training begins with a pre-test, lecture and slide presentation, followed by a post-test/review and Q & A session. This training ultimately provides the program clinical staff basic Hepatitis Education and supportive materials, enabling them to better serve patients, especially those with Hepatitis C.

Each participant at the completion of the training should have a basic understanding of:

1. Hepatitis C and how it affects the liver

2. Hepatitis C transmission and risk factors

3. Diagnostic tests

4. Natural history and progression of Hepatitis C and     HIV/HCVco-infection

5. Treatment options - western and alternative medicine,     including nutritional requirements.

A copy of the presentation and all resource materials are available on a cd-rom and are provided to the program to utilize as needed. In addition, each participant is provided a comprehensive resource manual, which consisted of speaker's notes, handouts, pre-post tests, presentation documentation and patient support resources.

Supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/ CSAT).