Free Hepatitis C Testing Event Planned In San Diego County

CHULA VISTA, CA — McAlister Institute will offer free Hepatitis C testing, education and treatment referrals during a community event Aug. 19 at its South Bay Regional Recovery Center in Chula Vista.

McAlister is partnering with Every Moment Counts to provide the free screenings and connect participants with treatment resources.

According to the organization, an estimated 50,000 San Diego County residents are living with chronic Hepatitis C, many of whom may not know they are infected. Left untreated, the virus can lead to liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer, but it can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

The organization said people with a history of injection drug use face a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis C because the virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact, including shared needles and injection equipment.

"Recovery goes beyond treating addiction; it's about supporting the whole person every step of the way," said Holly Lopez, program director of the South Bay Regional Recovery Center. "Offering free Hepatitis C testing is one of the many ways we help people overcome health barriers that can stand in the way of long-term recovery."

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at 1180 Third Ave., Suite C-3, in Chula Vista.

McAlister Institute, founded in 1977, provides behavioral health services for people experiencing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental illness and homelessness.