Project ECHO HCV/HIV/SUD Clinical Training

presented by
USET Tribal Health Program Support

During the pandemic, Tribal Nations saw a rise in injectable drug use. This, in turn, caused a rise in the number of new Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV infections. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for HIV and HCV infections if they use needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Both of these infectious diseases are treatable and manageable with the right knowledge and tools at hand.

Learning objectives:

• Recognize the importance of universal screening and universal treatment of HCV and HIV.
• Examine the epidemiology and prevalence of Hepatitis C, HIV, and Substance Use Disorder in relation to Indian Country – with an emphasis on the Nashville Area.
• Describe the newest HCV and HIV antiviral treatments including indications and side effects.
• Describe the newest Substance Use Disorder medicated assisted treatments including indications and side effects.
• Learn about the best practices in Indian Country for HCV, HIV, and Substance Use Disorder.
• Establish a teleconferencing mentoring system for HCV, HIV, and Substance Use Disorder patients utilizing the ECHO model.

Draft Agenda

When? April 11 – April 13, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Eastern each day

Where? This in-person training will take place at the Westin Portland Harborview, 157 High Street, Portland, ME 04101. Reserve your room at the group rate through March 24.

Who should attend? USET member Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, physicians, nurses, case managers, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the health sector are welcome to join.

USET will allot up to two stipends for staff members from each USET member Tribal Nation to attend the Clinical Training to offset the cost of travel; however, attendance is not limited just to those who receive stipends. Upon verification of full event attendance, stipend payments will be mailed.

Register for the training

Continuing education credit will be offered for various health professions. More information will be available soon!

Questions? Contact Bryan Hendrix, USET Quality Improvement Data Analyst.

COVID Protocols (as of 9/15/2022, subject to change)

The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a recognized public health authority supported by the Tribal Nations within the USET region. Throughout the course of the COVID pandemic, we have relied on their expertise to guide us to ensure for the overall safety, health, and wellness for our members, staff, and event attendees. As the impacts of COVID have evolved, we have continued to assess our protocols to ensure that they remain reflective of the current status of the pandemic.

Today, we are announcing the following updates to the COVID protocols for USET-sponsored meetings:

• Up to date* vaccinated attendees will not be required to mask and can fully engage without restrictions. Vaccinated attendees will provide proof of up-to-date status via self-attestation. Daily testing is strongly encouraged.
• Unvaccinated attendees, or attendees not up to date, will be allowed to attend, but will be required to:

1. Wear a KN-95 or N-95 mask, or
2. Test negative within 24 hours of the event AND also test negative daily, if the meeting is for extended days

As part of our public heath authority responsibilities, we will continue to provide education, offer PPE, rapid tests, and continue to strongly encourage best practices. Additionally, for USET/USET SPF meetings hosted by member Tribal Nations, we will continue to comply with the COVID protocols that each set for their respective nation. While these protocols have changed to better reflect the current state of the pandemic, updated booster shots, and availability of treatments options, the USET TEC strongly recommends ongoing caution due to the health disparities that exist across Indian Country.

*Please note that up-to-date means that the primary series has been received and any current boosters (if eligible and/or available) have been administered.