Oklahoma City Hosts Free Hepatitis C Screenings
A mobile health fair provides testing and treatment connections for homeless residents in Oklahoma City.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The Every Moment Counts ElimiNATION Awareness Tour recently stopped in Oklahoma City to offer free hepatitis C testing to the homeless population. Local partners provided on-site screening and linkage to medical treatment for those testing positive.
Why it matters
People experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to accessing regular healthcare, making community-based testing vital. Early detection and treatment prevent the further spread of the infection.
The Every Moment Counts ElimiNATION Awareness Tour has performed 1,100 tests, with 270 individuals testing positive for hepatitis C or prior exposure. Medication can cure the virus in eight to 12 weeks.
The players
Every Moment Counts ElimiNATION Awareness Tour
This nationwide initiative travels to cities across the United States to conduct mobile hepatitis C testing and education.
Homeless Alliance
This local organization provides essential resources and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City.
SoonerCare
This program serves as the Medicaid agency for the state of Oklahoma, providing healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents.
The details
The initiative utilizes a mobile Airstream vehicle to deliver rapid diagnostic services directly to the community. Individuals who receive a positive result are immediately connected with local clinic and pharmacy services to begin the curative treatment process.
Timeline
The health fair took place last week at the Homeless Alliance.
Oklahoma recorded a rate of 85.6 new chronic hepatitis C cases per 100,000 people in 2023.
State records indicate 4,805 SoonerCare members had hepatitis C in fiscal year 2025.
Health Landscape
This outreach initiative follows a pattern set by the national hepatitis C testing and elimination targets by prioritizing clinical services for high-risk populations. It represents a shift toward mobile-based healthcare delivery to reach demographics typically excluded from traditional clinical settings.
Homeless residents in the area gain immediate access to free testing and direct clinical pathways to reach a cure within months. Those interested in local health resources can utilize the services provided at city-based partner facilities.
The takeaway
Early testing remains the most effective tool to prevent the progression of hepatitis C and reduce transmission rates in vulnerable communities. Individuals diagnosed with the virus can achieve a full recovery through a short, eight to 12-week course of medication.
Further reading
Learn more about local public health efforts at the Oklahoma City Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGOU 106.3.
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