Denver, CO - 
(NewMediaWire) - June 27, 2014 - Avella Specialty Pharmacy, in collaboration with the American Liver Foundation and Denver Colorado AIDS Project, will offer free Hepatitis screenings for individuals considered high risk at its Denver-based facility on July 28th in support of World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis C can be detected through a simple blood test that identifies antibodies to the virus. Early detection of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is critical since many individuals that have the condition exhibit no symptoms and don’t realize they are infected. Early detection can also help prevent serious complications from this disease including liver damage, cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 (often referred to as baby boomers) get a blood test for Hepatitis C. That’s because approximately 75% of adults with the virus were born during this time period. However, routine blood work ordered by doctors rarely includes testing to identify this condition. The CDC estimates that one-time testing of all baby boomers would identify 800,000 currently undiagnosed individuals with Hepatitis C.
This screening event will take place at Avella of Denver, Colorado at 1245 East Colfax Ave, Suite 102 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. In addition to receiving results within about 20 minutes, individuals will also have access to guidance and education from healthcare professionals if they test positive for HCV. Appointments are recommended for these screenings. To schedule an appointment for an HCV test during this free event, please contact Avella of Denver at (303) 863-7644.
“Early identification of this condition is key because there are many new treatments that can help prevent Hepatitis C from turning into a more serious, even life-threatening health issue,” said Joseph McCormack, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Division, American Liver Foundation. “By offering these screenings for HCV, Avella, the American Liver Foundation and Denver Colorado AIDS Project are joining together to ensure individuals in our community, especially baby boomers, have an opportunity to get tested.”
About Avella Specialty Pharmacy
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. Avella reached 1,105th on Inc. magazine's 2013 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the fastest-growing private company based in the state. For more information, please visit www.avella.com/hepatitis.
About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s largest non-profit organization focused solely on promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation achieves its mission in the fight against liver disease by funding scientific research, education for medical professionals, advocacy, information and support programs for patients and their families as well as public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention. The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. Additional information can be found at www.liverfoundation.org.
About Denver Colorado AIDS Project (DCAP)
Denver Colorado AIDS Project is a 30-year-old community based organization that helps those living with HIV/AIDS, and those at risk, to make healthy choices for a self sufficient, enhanced quality of life. DCAP provides innovative, individualized services to those most in need, educates high-risk populations, and advocates for social and health care equity. Find out more at www.denvercap.org.