Hepatitis C, the disease that is often called "the silent killer," poses a daunting challenge.

In Colorado alone, an estimated 40,000 people don’t know they have the disease. That’s because individuals infected with the virus very often to experience symptoms until the liver is severely damaged.

In many cases, infected individuals find out they have hepatitis C when the virus has already progressed to cirrhosis or cancer. By then, the person may need a liver transplant to survive, In fact, hepatitis C is the leading reason for liver transplants, a costly solution.

The key to surviving with the virus is early detection, A prompt diagnosis of hepatitis C, coupled with new drug therapies and lifestyle adjustments, often helps victims of this disease to lead healthy, long lives.

That is why Gov. Bill Owens and the Colorado Legislature have taken steps to increase awareness of the disease through a statewide network of public education programs and free testing. The educational efforts and free testing, which began this spring and will continue through next summer, are being provided through a joint effort involving the Hep C Connection, a Colorado-based support group for victims of the disease, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Coloradoans who are at risk of being infected with the hepatitis C virus and who are being urged to take advantage of the free blood screening include:

• Persons who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July, 1992.

• Persons who ever injected illegal drugs, including anyone who injected just once years ago, even if the person is no longer a drug user.

• Persons who were ever on long-term hemodialysis.

• Hemophiliacs who received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987.

• Health care, emergency medial and public safety personnel who have experienced a recognized exposure to hepatitis C through accidental needle punctures or other obvious incidents. Routine testing of such workers is not recommended unless an exposure incident occurs.

• Children born to women infected with hepatitis C.

• Persons with persistently abnormal liver blood tests.

• Persons who have been notified that they received blood from a donor who tested positive for hepatitis C virus infection.

Informational programs and free blood screenings are scheduled over the next several weeks in Durango and Cortez.

Health care providers and the public are invited to attend one of two are programs, on Tuesday, June 21 at Mercy Medical Center in Durango, or on Wednesday, June 21 at Southwest Memorial Hospital.

A program targeted toward health care providers will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $10. A public program will be held at no charge from 7 to 9 p.m. Free blood screening will be provided for persons who may be at risk for Hepatitis C.