Community Focus Group on Hepatitis C Coming to Delaware County

HAMDEN  — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, invites local residents and health professionals to take part in an important community focus group on hepatitis C awareness, testing, treatment, and prevention.

Hepatitis C is a curable disease, yet many people remain unaware of their status, and too few receive treatment. Rural communities in New York face disproportionately high rates of hepatitis C. In 2023, Delaware County and surrounding counties reported 29.4 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the statewide rate of 25.7. To address this concern, New York State has set the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health problem by 2030.

The Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology is hosting a series of in-person focus groups across rural New York. These discussions aim to gather input from health care providers, community leaders, and residents about current knowledge, strengths, and barriers to hepatitis C testing, treatment, and cure.

A focus group for Delaware, Schoharie, and Greene Counties will be held on:

    Monday, October 6, 2025

    11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

    Community Room, Delaware Opportunities

    35430 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782

Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, and registration is required. Details can be found in the attached flyer or by contacting the NYS Department of Health at hepatabc@health.ny.gov.

“By working together, we can raise awareness, reduce barriers, and ensure more people get tested and treated,” said Colleen Flanigan, RN, MS, Director of the Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology.

“This is an important opportunity for our community to lend its voice and help shape strategies that directly impact rural health,” said Dove Karn, MS, CAS, Human Ecology Team Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County.