MedReferrals is one of 30 organizations in Illinois to support National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Over 5 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. We urge you to recognize National Hepatitis Awareness Month and call for public awareness about hepatitis B and C.
Dr. Hong Liu, the Executive Director of the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), states:
Hepatitis is a serious public health issue in America affecting Americans from all walks of life. According to the report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM): Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C, chronic hepatitis B and C cause thousands of cases of liver cancer, liver disease, and death each year — taking the heaviest toll among Asians, Pacific Islanders, and blacks in the U.S. — and these infections account for nearly half of the liver transplantations that must be performed annually. Unfortunately, the majority of infected individuals are not aware of their condition until they develop symptoms of liver cancer or liver disease. Resources and efforts to contain the viruses that cause hepatitis B and C lag behind those directed at other infectious diseases of similar impact to public health, noted the committee that wrote the report.
The liver cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to increase and the current approach to the prevention and control of chronic hepatitis B and C is not working. The IOM urges increased knowledge and awareness about chronic viral hepatitis among health care providers, social service providers, and the public; improved surveillance for hepatitis B and C; and better integration of viral hepatitis.
For more information on hepatitis and other liver diseases, please visit the American Liver Foundation.
UPDATE: On May 23rd, an event was held in Chicago’s South Chinatown to commemorate Asian Heritage Month and World Hepatitis Day. Dr. Damon Arnald, Director of Illinois Public Health Department, and Gene Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor, announced the Proclamations on behalf of Governor/Mayor’s office for recognizing May 19 as World Hepatitis Day in Illinois and Chicago.
