Merit Health Wesley will offer free Hepatitis C testing to veterans

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss' Veterans Center is teaming up with the VA to offer free Hepatitis C testing to veterans.

A study from the VA shows the new drug regimens for Hepatitis C has "remarkable high" cure rates.

Dr. Stephen Beam, Medical director of Community Outreach Clinic said, "It's not a rare infection to have, especially baby boomer age. Up until recently, it's been relatively hard to treat. But over the last couple of years, treatment has come forth and we're able to treat it for 12 weeks with over a 90% cure rate."

"Our veterans are special people. They're unique. They served this nation, and we're concerned. I'm a veteran. I myself am going to lead the way and set the example, and I'm going to be tested on June 13. And I want you to come with me. My message to our veterans out there is join me, follow me," said Jeff Hammond, USM’s director of military veterans affairs.

Merit Health Wesley will have a free Hepatitis C testing on June 13.

Veterans who are enrolled in VA benefits need to bring their picture ID.

Veterans who are not enrolled, need to bring their D-D 214 and a picture ID.