The goal of the Rhode Island Perinatal Hepatitis Prevention Program is to identify pregnant women infected with HBV and HCV and prevent or identify transmission of the viruses to their infants. To accomplish this goal, collaboration among a variety of committed community partners has been established to ensure that all necessary objectives are met. These collaborations include:

1. Early Identification of Pregnant Women
The program works with Rhode Island's birthing hospitals and prenatal providers to ensure routine screening for HBV in all pregnant women, and screening for HCV in pregnant women with one or more high risk factors for HCV infection.

2. Case Management Services
The program offers comprehensive case management services to women infected with HBV or HCV during the perinatal period that include:

A. Prenatal education home visits for the purpose of educating the pregnant woman about viral hepatitis that includes: management of disease; prevention of transmission of HBV and HCV to others; and recommended prophylaxis and screenings for infant, and personal health maintenance.

B. Referrals for medical management of disease, testing and immunization of household contacts and sex partner(s) of women with chronic HBV infection and referral to other community resources

C. Tracking and follow-up of infants born to HBV- and HCV- positive women, including ongoing education and outreach to pediatric providers, to ensure infants receive appropriate and timely HBV immunoprophylaxis, HBV and HCV testing, and referral for medical management if childhood infection should occur.