Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.  

Chronic hep C is now the most common reason for liver transplantation and the leading cause in the U.S. for developing liver cancer. Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV.

The primary goal of the NH Hepatitis C Program is to protect the public's health by preventing and controlling HCV infection.

Hepatitis C Program Overview

The DHHS Hepatitis C Program began in September 2002. The main goal of the program is to plan, develop, coordinate and evaluate public health education, health promotion and disease prevention programs for hepatitis C. The program works in collaboration with community health agencies, other DHHS programs such as the HIV/STD Program, the Immunization Program, and the Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Recovery Program. Other partners include government agencies such as the Department of Correction, the Nashua and Manchester Health Departments and a variety of other medical and nursing professionals.