July 25, 2017

July 25 is National African American Hepatitis C Action Day

READ TIME: 2 MIN.

July 25 is National African American Hepatitis C Action Day, a day to promote Hepatitis C prevention, testing, and treatment messages to public health partners and the public. NAAHCAD also provides a chance to discuss the importance of linkage to care, cure and integrating prevention opportunities, as many people at risk for acquiring hepatitis are often at risk for acquiring other infectious diseases such as HIV or STDs.

Hep C is a chronic, curable condition that directly affects more than three million Americans, most of whom are unaware they are infected.

Facts about Hepatitis C:

  • Can cause serious liver damage, liver disease and even liver cancer.
  • Is a leading cause of liver transplants
  • During 2008 through 2012, non-Hispanic blacks ages 50 to 64 years (born 1955 - 1965) had higher rates of liver cancer than other ethnic groups.
  • More than 75% of adults with Hepatitis C are baby boomers (people born from 1945 to1965).
  • Baby boomers are five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C

    New York City AIDS Service Organization Iris House provides free, rapid Hepatitis C testing and educational workshops about the virus and how to fight it. It's curable in most instances with proper care and treatment.

    Visit us at either of our New York City offices to find out your status today: 2348 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (7th Avenue between 137th and 138th Streets) or 2271 Second Avenue (between 116th and 117th Streets).

    To take a quick assessment to see if you're at risk for Hepatitis C, check out this handy quiz provided by the US Centers for Disease Control.

    To help Iris House continue its fight against Hepatitis C, HIV and other chronic conditions impacting our community, support our work.

    For more information, visit http://nblca.org/national-african-american-hepatitis-c-action-day-naahcad-2017/ or www.irishouse.org

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