Viral Hepatitis Testing and Awareness event: Wednesday, July 27, 10AM to 3PM, Union Square (South end of the park).
The Hepatitis Outreach Network (HONE) of Mount Sinai Medical Center will provide no-cost Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C screening for anyone who wants to be tested. A number of community organizations will also be present to answer questions and provide information about Hepatitis B and C.
New York City Council World Hepatitis Day Awareness event: Thursday, July 28, 12 noon, the steps of City Hall.
Members of the New York City Council will gather to raise awareness of World Hepatitis Day. Council member Margaret Chin will open the event, along with other Council members, and announce a City Council Proclamation marking July 28th as World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis B and C patients will provide testimonials.
Events are planned in cities around the world. Please join us to make Hepatitis B and C hidden and neglected epidemics no more!
Viral hepatitis infects 500 million people worldwide. It kills 1 million each year.
In the U.S., an estimated 4.4 to 5 million people have chronic viral hepatitis. This estimate is almost certainly low, because over half of those infected with Hepatitis B or C are unaware of their status. In New York City, twice as many people are infected with Hepatitis B or C as with HIV/AIDS.
These "sillent killers" claim 12,000 to 15,000 American lives each year by causing liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Many people live for decades unaware that they are infected...but about 25 percent will develop serious liver disease.
Hepatitis C can be prevented and cured. Hepatitis B can be prevented through a vaccine and controlled. But more people need to be tested and treated NOW!
See you at Union Square or City Hall!