The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii has established a program to help ex-offenders reintegrate into the community with social, health and economic services.

Andy Botts, director of the Prisoner Reintegration and Family Reunification program, will see relatives of ex-offenders and prisoners from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at 1286 Queen Emma St.

The program started Dec. 18.

Botts became involved with the Hepatitis Support Network after learning he had hepatitis C when tested in prison.

He was treated and cured by Dr. Alan Tice, medical director of Infections Limited Hawaii.

A nonviolent drug offender, Botts had been in and out of institutions, including five years in a Thai prison, a release from the network said.

Botts will join with volunteers and faith-based and community organizations to help ex-offenders and their families.

“;Costwise, a sensible approach to the management of nonviolent offenders would be better on the outside of a prison instead of inside,”; Tice said.

He said treatment for infectious diseases such as hepatitis C “;can change a person's perspective on life.”;

Free hepatitis screening can be obtained by calling 373-3488. Three sites in Honolulu offer treatment: Physician's Office Building III, Waikiki Health Center and the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, according to the network.

For more information or an appointment with Botts, call 942-4276.