Successful Hepatitis Awareness Resource Fair

Published on May 09, 2025

Allegheny County Unites for Hepatitis Awareness: Free Testing and Resources Offered

PITTSBURGH – Today, the community came together at the Hepatitis Awareness Resource Fair outside Second Avenue Commons (700 Second Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219) to take control of their health through free hepatitis C testing, HIV testing, hepatitis A vaccinations, naloxone distribution, and access to harm reduction resources. The event was hosted by the Community Liver Alliance, in collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department, a proud member of the Hep C Free Allegheny initiative.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and health officials are emphasizing education, testing, and treatment as key tools to ending the serious liver disease and the leading cause of liver cancer as well as liver transplants in the United States. Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection in the US. While most people do not have symptoms initially, the infection can lead to serious complications including scarring of the liver and cancer. Unfortunately, around one-third of individuals living with the condition are unaware they have an infection.

“Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C—but the good news is that more than 95% of infections can be cured with treatment,” said Dr. Barbara Nightingale, Deputy Director for Clinical Services of the Allegheny County Health Department. “In Allegheny County, one of the biggest challenges is that many people don’t know they have hepatitis C. Events like today’s resource fair are powerful because they connect people to testing and treatment—breaking down barriers to care.”

In 2024, more than 650 new cases of chronic hepatitis C were reported in Allegheny County-an increase from the year before. The majority of those newly diagnosed are between the ages of 30 and 55, underscoring the importance of screening across a wide age range.

“Ensuring equitable access to hepatitis C care and prevention is not only a public health priority—it’s a matter of justice,” added Dr. Nightingale. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, and we’re committed to making that possible.”

All residents are encouraged to take action, free hepatitis C testing and support are available year-round at the Public Health Clinic (1908 Wylie Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219). Contact 412-578-8081 with questions or to make an appointment.

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Hep C Free Allegheny County is an initiative joining public health, private healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and other partners to identify methods to increase testing for HCV and provide improved access to care and treatment within Allegheny County.

The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das,
Public Information Officer for the Health Department,
at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.