The Claiborne Health Department (CHD) is in the midst of addressing a serious issue affecting the local populace through a program geared at reducing the spread of hepatitis B.

In 2012, Tennessee health officials were handed the task of piloting a two-year program aimed at reducing the number of acute hepatitis B cases found in the rural eastern, northeast and upper Cumberland regions of the state. Claiborne, along with Hamblen, Campbell and Blount counties, were chosen to participate due to the high incidences of reported cases.

The pilot program targets ‘at risk’ individuals including those who are incarcerated, who have shared intravenous drugs or have received tattoos.

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