Liver Lowdown May 2018
Hepatitis Awareness Month
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. This month of observance was first established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. An estimated 5 million people have viral hepatitis in the United States. The American Liver Foundation urges everyone to learn what can be done to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The American Liver Foundation’s Ask the Experts series provides those living with viral hepatitis and other liver diseases the unique opportunity to learn more about their disease directly from the experts themselves in locations all over the country. In our Pacific Coast Division, Dr. Julio Gutierrez spoke about hepatitis C transmission among people who inject drugs, while in Phoenix, Arizona Dr. Mark Wong spoke about the importance of Hepatitis B vaccinations and screenings. These recordings are available on our website. Click here to find an Ask the Experts Program near you.
May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. Although there is now a cure for Hepatitis C, 75% percent of the people infected with the virus are unaware that they have it. The longer the virus goes undetected, the greater the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer becomes. That’s why it’s so important to get tested. The CDC has provided an easy to use tool for you to find places to get tested for Viral Hepatitis. Click here to find testing in your area.
The American Liver Foundation has been busy on the Hill! ALF staff and patient advocates held our own advocacy day in Washington D.C. in March and joined the Digestive Disease National Coalition and the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease on Capitol Hill. We had productive meetings, but the work is not done. We need your voice too and you can take action right from home! Click here to contact your legislators.
Last Updated on April 17, 2019
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