Free Hepatitis C Testing Opens in Indianapolis for National Hepatitis Testing Day
Local organizations are offering confidential testing as public-health groups push awareness of a curable liver infection.
INDIANAPOLIS | Indianapolis residents can receive free confidential hepatitis C testing Tuesday as local health organizations mark National Hepatitis Testing Day with public outreach aimed at finding infections that often go unnoticed.
WFYI reported that the Indianapolis Urban League and Damien Center are providing free hepatitis C testing on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. The effort is focused on awareness, early detection and connecting people to treatment.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can cause serious damage if untreated. WFYI reported that many people with hepatitis C do not show symptoms, but treatment can often cure the infection in eight to 12 weeks.
The Indianapolis Urban League event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free confidential rapid hepatitis C testing. The organization says no ID or appointment is needed. The event is part of the Urban League’s Special Population Support Program work.
Damien Center also provides hepatitis C testing and treatment support in Indianapolis. Its public-health work includes prevention services, testing access and connection to care for residents who may otherwise delay screening.
The public-health importance is practical: a person can carry hepatitis C without knowing it, while timely testing can open the door to treatment before serious liver damage develops. Testing events also reduce barriers for people who may not have a regular doctor, insurance access or time to navigate a traditional appointment system.
Additional Reporting By: WFYI; Indianapolis Urban League; Damien Center; CGN News Staff
What this means
The immediate takeaway is access. Free, confidential testing gives residents a low-barrier way to learn their status and seek treatment if needed.
For Indianapolis, the event also shows how community organizations can fill gaps between public-health messaging and real-world care.