1 in 4 Tested Positive: The Truth About Hepatitis C & The 8-Week Cure (with Dr. Ellen Eaton & Sarah Hewitt, CRNP)

Hepatitis C is often called a "silent disease" because thousands carry it for decades without experiencing a single symptom—until liver damage has already begun. But medical science has reached an unprecedented milestone: Hepatitis C is now completely curable in as little as 8 to 12 weeks with simple, well-tolerated oral pills. In this episode of The Shield, host Nichole Dawsey is joined by infectious disease and addiction medicine physician Dr. Ellen Eaton (UAB Beacon Clinic) alongside family nurse practitioner Sarah Hewitt. Together, they discuss why 1 in 4 community members screened at local Birmingham clinics are testing antibody-positive, how the opioid crisis shifted the transmission landscape across Alabama, and how community organizations like APC are removing clinical barriers by bringing free, non-invasive screenings directly into the neighborhood. In this episode, we break down: From Toxic Interferon to an 8-Week Cure: How modern Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) transformed Hep C treatment into an accessible, side-effect-free therapy. Universal Screening Guidelines: Why the CDC now recommends that every adult get screened at least once in their lifetime, along with pregnant women during every pregnancy. The Alabama Reality: How provider shortages, lack of Medicaid expansion, and syringe access barriers fuel transmission rates across rural and southern communities. Demystifying the Test: Why a simple finger-prick screening at a church or community resource fair can save lives before liver damage occurs. Empowering Nurse Practitioners: How mid-level providers and community-based nonprofits can screen and link patients to care without waiting months for specialist referrals. For more content, make sure to check us out on Instagram and YouTube! https://www.instagram.com/addictionpreventioncoalition/ https://www.youtube.com/@AddictionCoalition