Viral Hepatitis Advocates Gather at New York's City Hall

On the eve of May 15, National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day 2016 (NHHAD 2016) a diverse group of viral hepatitis advocates came together at the steps of City Hall to raise awareness about this "silent epidemic" of Viral Hepatitis. The event took place in the context of National Hepatitis Awareness Month.

Viral hepatitis disproportionately affects the Asian, African, African American, and Latino communities, as well as the LGBT community, people who inject drugs, and formerly or currently incarcerated men and women.

Between 3.5 and 5.3 million Americans, and 245,000 NYC residents, are living with chronic (lifelong) viral hepatitis, and most of them do not know that they are infected. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States. In addition, it is a leading infectious cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of 12,000-18,000 Americans each year.

In recognition of National Hepatitis Awareness Month, NYC community-based organizations will be hosting hepatitis screening events and educational workshops in conjunction with other events taking place throughout the country.

Representatives and advocates from affected communities -- consumers, health workers, city officials, community workers, friends and families -- shared their stories today in hopes of encouraging action among New Yorkers to get tested and to demand better access to prevention and treatment.

"This month, we remind all New Yorkers that it is now easier than ever to get tested and treated for viral hepatitis," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "We have made progress in identifying cases and connecting New Yorkers to treatment, but we must continue to work with communities across the city to dedicate more resources to addressing a disease that disproportionately affects communities of color and LGBT New Yorkers."

"As co-sponsor of legislation that was signed into law requiring the City to issue a comprehensive annual report on Hep. B and C to help focus funding and resources to fight these diseases, I know that increased awareness and education saves lives. That is why I enthusiastically join this effort to commemorate National Hepatitis Awareness Month," said Councilmember Margaret Chin. "I thank the Latino Commission on AIDS and all the partners in this fight for taking a leading role in promoting prevention and education, not only in May, but throughout the entire year."

"We're gathering to shed light on a silent epidemic affecting over 245,000 New Yorkers, many who don't even know they have Viral Hepatitis," explained Councilmember Darlene Mealy. "Many groups are disproportionately affected, including the African, African American, Asian and Latino communities, as well as Baby Boomers, the LGBTQ community, people who inject drugs, and formerly or currently incarcerated men and women. Only through more testing, prevention and access to treatment will we be able to fight this epidemic, and NBLCA is joining this coalition in calling for the attention and resources to make it happen."

"Hepatitis B affects a disproportionate number of Asians, Africans, and Pacific Islanders in this city and around the globe," says Chief Medical Officer Dr. Perry Pong of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. "It is estimated that 100,000 people living in New York City have chronic hepatitis B, and 67 percent of those newly reported cases are Asians."

Testing for hepatitis C is important because "You don't need to die a statistic; this is one virus we can cure," expressed Marlene Taylor, Primary Care Physician at Montefiore Hospital.

"We have the tools to end hepatitis C, including treatments that are close to 100 percent effective. Now all we need is the political will, and necessary financial resources by city and state government," said Carlos Rosario, organizer for VOCAL-NY who has been leading a statewide process to develop a blueprint to end hepatitis C as an epidemic in New York State.

"It's unconscionable that hepatitis C, a preventable and more importantly, curable disease, kills more people every year than all other infectious diseases combined, including HIV. New Yorkers deserve better and we're committed to increasing awareness, testing and access to treatment for all," said Jose M. Davila, President & CEO of BOOM!Health.

Paul Bolter, from the American Liver Foundation extends an invitation to the public: "Get Tested. Get Treated. Get Cured."