Viral Hepatitis Research Program (VHRP)
The VHRP is a part of the epidemiology and population health program at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence (BC-CFE)
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Utilizing clinical and observational data as well as implementation science, the program focuses on addressing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic and related conditions and co-infections
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The goal of the VHRP program is to improve health outcomes and optimize health service delivery in the province of BC for individuals impacted by and most at risk for HCV
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Taking a syndemics and health equity approach, this work often focuses on the intersections between HCV, HIV, and mental health and substance use disorders
Team
Research Scientist/lead | |
Research Coordinators | |
Phindile Tshabalala (Per-SVR) | Shaughna Cooper (Hep C Connect/Harm reduction) |
Kiana Yazdani (STOP HCV) | Jessica Ly (mat-leave) |
Research Assistants | |
Lauren Harrison (Per-SVR) | Ly Nguyen (VCH/Per-SVR) |
Sarah Kelly | Â |
Clinical Research Associates | |
Kirti Singh (Per-SVR/HCV Connect) | Zoran Barazanci (Per-SVR) |
Peer Research Associates | |
Christina Fulton | Â |
Data Analysts | |
Katerina Dolguikh | Â |
Projects Overview
Active Projects & Main Team Members
Abstracts
- Cooper S., Dolguikh K., Ly J., Yazdani K., Barazanci Z., Singh K., Awendila L., Barrios R., Montaner J., Salters K. The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Cohort of Clients Recently Treated for Hepatitis C in Vancouver, BC. Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS virtual meeting. 2021 May
- Salters K., Yazdani K., White R., Chia J., Ye Q., Nandith N., Closson K., Lima V., Barrios R., Montaner J. Treatment Trajectories for Psychosis among People Living with HIV. Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS virtual meeting. 2021 May
- Cooper S, Ly J, Awendila L, Barazanci, Z, Tung A, Salters K, Montaner J, Barrios R.  The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a cohort of clients recently treated for Hepatitis C in Vancouver, BC. Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS virtual meeting, 2021 May
- Salters K, Yazdani K, Sereda P, Moore D, Toy J, Barrios R, Montaner J. A Population-Based Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 among Patients on ART or PrEP. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. 2021 March; Science Spotlight Virtual Presentation
- Yazdani K, Dhillon N, Tung A, Trigg J, St-Jean M, Lima V, Nanditha N, Montaner J, Barrios R, Laird K, Ye M, Stanley C, McLinden T, Salters K. Opioid Use Disorder, Agonist Therapy, and Mortality among People Living with HIV. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. 2021 March; Science Spotlight Virtual Presentation
- Ly J, Dhillon N, Cooper S, Laird K, Salters K, Barrios R, Montaner J. Preliminary Findings from a Longitudinal Cohort of Hepatitis C Patients Who Achieved Sustained Virologic Response. Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS. 2020 May
Talks / Seminars
The VHRP is a part of the epidemiology and population health program at the British Columbia Centre for Excellence (BC-CFE)
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Utilizing clinical and observational data as well as implementation science, the program focuses on addressing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic and related conditions and co-infections
Â
The goal of the VHRP program is to improve health outcomes and optimize health service delivery in the province of BC for individuals impacted by and most at risk for HCV
Â
Taking a syndemics and health equity approach, this work often focuses on the intersections between HCV, HIV, and mental health and substance use disorders
Other Successes
- Dr. Peter Centre
- WISH Drop In Centre Society
- Surrey Lookout Housing
- 3 Modular Housing
- PHS Community Services Society
- Pender Clinic
- Heatley Clinic
- Ravensong Clinic
- Downtown East Side Neighborhood House
Each year the VHRP celebrates WHD by with an open house at our Powell street offices. Our team is available to provide information about HCV, answer questions and share details about ongoing projects. Refreshments are available and trivia games and prizes provide a lighthearted opportunity to learn about Hepatitis C!
- Ongoing Clothing Drive
- Fundraiser events where proceeds go to community partner in DTES
- Annual Sock & Winter Clothing Drive
Targeted Disease Elimination®
The research conducted through the BC-CfE Viral Hepatitis Research Program (VHRP) helps to identify where hepatitis C infections and re-infections are occurring. Through Targeted Disease Elimination® , using principles of the Treatment as Prevention® strategy, we can help to curb the spread of hepatitis C.
Latest Updates (2016-2021)
Contact
If you are living in British Columbia and have successfully cleared HCV using direct-acting antiviral therapy, you may be eligible to participate in our research. To find out more, please click on the link below
or contact us by emailing persvr@bccfe.ca.
What is HCV?
