Reflections on Success: Health Center Voices

Ohio

Allen County Health Partners
Lima

Jill attended the Hepatitis C health event at Allen County Health Partners (ACHP) on June 14, 2007. During this event she heard about the risk factors of Hepatitis C and decided to get the free screening test that was being offered. During her follow up visit 1 week later with Dr. Gregory Parranto, Jill heard the devastating news—her Hepatitis C test had come back positive! Jill was tearful and physically shaking with this news. Dr. Parranto called the health center’s counselor, Daphne K. Lindo, LISW over to help talk to Jill about her fears.

With this team approach, Jill was able to gain a better understanding about Hepatitis C and its treatment. Although Jill was glad to hear that Hepatitis C was treatable, she did not think that she would be able to afford the medication because she did not have health insurance and only made $19,000 a year. Dr. Parranto informed Jill that ACHP had a prescription assistance program that could help her get the medicine for free.

Lane Guy, Patient Advocate, worked with Jill to help her complete all the necessary paperwork. Her medicine arrived 3 weeks later and treatment began.

Throughout the past year Jill has continued to receive her medication, follow up visits, and counseling as she battles living with Hepatitis C. Last month she had routine lab work completed and the Hepatitis C virus is now completely undetectable!