West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network partners with CHESS Health on hepatitis C digital initiative

The Live(r) Hep C Free program, an initiative of the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network (WVCRN) housed within the Marshall University Research Corporation, is partnering with CHESS Health to deploy its digital contingency management platform that uses a series of reinforcements and rewards for meeting treatment goals

The program seeks to reduce hepatitis C (HCV) cases in West Virginia, which has nine times the national average of positive cases.

HCV is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections that can lead to complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While the disease is treatable, barriers such as stigma, financial concerns, and lack of awareness often deter individuals from seeking care, said Teresa Warner, the program’s director.

“Myths about HCV, along with concerns about treatment costs, can hinder access, particularly among high-risk groups,” Warner said.

The Live(r) Hep C Free program uses CHESS Health’s Rewards Engine to incentivize testing and treatment. Participants receive $25 for completing an HCV test and another $25 upon completing treatment if needed. The program also provides peer navigators with lived experience to support individuals through the process.

“We’re trying to reach people in the early stages, before the disease causes liver damage or side effects,” Warner said. “We want to educate people about the treatment so they understand there is hope and a cure.”

The Live(r) Hep C Free program uses CHESS Health’s Rewards Engine to incentivize testing and treatment. Participants receive $25 for completing an HCV test and another $25 upon completing treatment if needed. The program also provides peer navigators with lived experience to support individuals through the process.

CHESS Health CEO Hans Morefield said the partnership reflects the potential for contingency management strategies to address a variety of health conditions.

“We are pleased to partner with the Live(r) Hep C Free program to help them achieve their goals of reducing the harmful impact of HCV in their communities,” Morefield said. “We look forward to seeing the effects of this innovative approach on the West Virginia community and learning valuable lessons about contingency management in driving positive health outcomes.”

The Live(r) Hep C Free program offers free online training to encourage participation in HCV testing and treatment. For more information or to enroll, visit wvcrn-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/hcv.