Ever heard of the drug, Harvoni? Classified as a “direct acting anti-viral drug,” it’s said to have a high rate of success in treating Hepatitis C.
Now, drugs, like Harvoni, are at the center of a lawsuit on behalf of Florida inmates who have the blood borne disease that can attack the liver. And, these inmates say they want the prisons to provide these drugs they say have fewer side effects.
Currently, the Florida Department of Corrections does not have any funding for the treatment of the Hepatitis C virus, also known as HCV. Kenneth Steely is the General Counsel for the prison agency.
“We were served with a class action lawsuit in May of this year, seeking to have testing for HCV for all inmates and to provide the direct acting antiviral drugs to all inmates,” speaking to a group lawmakers Tuesday. “Ya’ll are probably familiar with Harvoni commercials out there: ‘if you’re a baby boomer, come get tested for Hepatitis C.’ That’s what this litigation is about.”
Steely as well as the agency’s Chief Financial Officer Kim Banks spoke before a House Criminal Justice Budget committee Wednesday. Banks asked lawmakers for the funds to address treating Hepatitis C.
“The department is requesting $19.3 million to begin treatment of approximately 500 inmates with HCV,” she said.
When I was in the annex in 2019 I was called to leave ramel for a lawsuit for having hepatitis and being in the facility long enough for them to treat me and they did not treat me. It was a bunch of us called up there. I got out pursued it and did not have a way to get a hold of the lost the lawyer. I’m looking for the lawyer that is handling the case. I would like my treatment and I would like my settlement. Please get a hold of me. My email is capital po ssumo 2024@gmail.com and my phone number is 904 -872-4275. My name is Rachel guy. I was at the annex prison when when this was brought to my attention that they was supposed to treat me and did not. I would like to pursue this. I need the treatment if someone please can get back in touch with me