25% of Idaho’s Inmates have Hepatitis C, JFAC approves treatment funds

Boise (670 KBOI) – The Idaho Department of Correction says about a quarter of the state’s prisoners — more than 2,500 — have Hepatitis C.

The Joint Finance and Administration Committee, or JFAC, approved an emergency request from Correction of $3 million dollars to treat the inmates…or about $1,200 dollars per patient.

According to the Idaho Statesman, a medicine has recently been approved that will actually cure Hep C, but its expensive — as much as $6,200 per patient.

JFAC also approved a half million dollars to add 99 more beds at work centers across the state, including Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center and the St. Anthony Work Camp.

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Chris Janson VIP Pre-Party!

Join us Monday, August 22nd at the Western Idaho Fair for Chris Janson! Make sure you get there early because we’ll have a special Pre-Party for the first 75 people at the gate at 5pm catered by Costa Vida, plus your chance to upgrade your seats and win prizes from your favorite Kissin Country Artists!