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Friday, April 27, 2007

Korea Times


Inter Press Service News: "HEALTH-U.S.: City Takes Aim at Hepatitis Among Asian Americans"

By Ngoc Nguyen

SAN FRANCISCO, Apr 27 (IPS) - This west-coast city has earned a reputation as a health trendsetter. Last year, San Francisco unveiled a plan to offer universal health care to all its residents (to take effect Jul. 1). Now it has become the first U.S. city to launch a plan to test and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islander American residents for hepatitis B.

In the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, the mayor, other elected officials, medical professionals and representatives from community-based organisations kicked off the city's new "Hep B Free" campaign Wednesday before sitting down to a sumptuous Chinese banquet.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness and increase collaboration amongst clinics, hospitals and community groups in offering free or low-cost testing, vaccinations and screenings to the public.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious infection of the liver, and can lead to premature death from liver cancer or liver failure. At a press conference before the banquet, Mayor Gavin Newsom said HBV is a global problem, but one that hits close to home for San Francisco. The city has the highest liver cancer rate in the United States, largely due to its sizable Asian-Pacific Islander population, who are particularly susceptible to the disease.

Newsom said the city has a special responsibility to raise awareness and encourage testing, because "a consequence of having it and not knowing it... is that you can pass it on to other people. Therein lies the challenge."

HBV can be passed to a newborn baby from an infected mother, through unprotected sex or through contaminated blood through sharing toothbrushes, razors or hypodermic needles. The virus can live in the body for a long time without causing any symptoms, and, if left untreated, can lead to liver cancer or failure.

Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIs), who comprise about one-third of San Francisco's population, are being encouraged in particular to get tested for HBV.

In the United States, about 60 percent of the 1.2 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection are APIs. And the disparity doesn't stop there: Asian men are four times more likely to die from liver cancer than are white men.

If the test is positive, there are medications to reduce the harm done by the virus and regular screenings are recommended to detect and treat cancers early. If the test is negative, there is a vaccine against HBV that is so effective the World Health Organisation has called it the "first anti-cancer vaccine."

Dr. Mitch Katz, head of the San Francisco Public Health Department, said the city is tackling the hepatitis problem because it is treatable and manageable.

"We don't see any polio, why? Because polio had a vaccine that prevented it, so over time, if you put great effort into making sure that every person who could be affected is vaccinated, you eradicate a disease. Sometimes. Hepatitis B can be eradicated," said Katz.

Dr. Samuel So founded the Asian Liver Centre at Stanford University more than a decade ago, when he first recognised that HBV was a big Asian American problem that no one was addressing.

"You would think that doctors routinely test patients," he said. "We found in over 3,000 screenings in the (San Francisco) Bay Area, two out of three people who were found to have chronic hepatitis B weren't even aware they were infected. So a large percentage of Asian Americans walking around the streets of San Francisco, who are chronically infected, are not aware until the day they get sick with advanced liver cancer. We have to put a stop to this."

Commander Bok Pon, 65, is an active member of the American Legion Cathay Post # 384, a group of Chinese American post-World War I veterans.

He first learned that he had hepatitis B two months ago when blood test read abnormal. Several tests later, Pon learned he had liver cancer and that he had an estimated six months to live.

Pon is using the time to get educated about HBV and to share his story, in the hope of convincing others about the importance of getting tested, and then vaccinated or treated.

"A lot of people I know, some veterans, have hepatitis B and they talk to me privately about my experience," he said. "They want to know about medications and how to manage it." He said he uses humour to help people get past fears and to demystify the medical technology and treatments.

"I tell them that an ultrasound doesn't hurt and that getting a CAT scan is like going through the time tunnel at Disneyland," Pon said.

He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and, depending on how he responds, may become a candidate to receive a liver transplant. His advice is to develop a positive attitude, exercise to maintain health and get good health insurance. "In the last two month, my medical procedures have totalled 90,000 dollars, and a liver transplant can run half a million dollars."

In the coming months, a number of community organisations, clinics and hospitals will be offering HBV testing and vaccination services at sites across the city. Testing is offered free or at a cost of 10 dollars. A vaccination - a series of three shots over the course of six months - runs about 60 dollars. At an Asian heritage street fair in the city last year, organisers said they were able to vaccinate about 500 people in five hours.

One site where locals will be able to get tested and vaccinated is Chinese Hospital, a 59-bed acute care non-profit facility that was founded in response to racism against Asian Americans in the 1920s. Dr. Stuart Fong operates the hepatitis B vaccination clinic the first Wednesday of every month. The clinic screened about 800 people last year. He said having diverse staff has helped provide culturally competent care - an important aspect in addressing HBV in the API community.

Incidence rates - the number of new cases in a given time period - are highest among Asians of Cambodian and Laotian origin, followed by Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese, according to Fong. Cultural barriers are a particular challenge when it comes to outreach efforts aimed at new API immigrants.

"I don't believe hepatitis B can be completely eradicated from the city due to global travel and immigration, not just from Asian countries, but from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean," where HBV is also a health problem, he said.

Community clinics help to remove some of the obstacles to receiving care, said Fong, explaining that one of the barriers to getting vaccinated is the lack of or inadequate health insurance. "They can get (the vaccine) cheaper and faster at a community hospital or clinic," he said.

And hepatitis B also exists in the broader population. "We need to expand HBV prevention and treatment services to more than the API community. Other groups will be targeted down the pike, but everything has to be done incrementally," said Fong. San Francisco first promoted hepatitis B awareness in the homosexual community.

San Francisco's Hep B Free Campaign could be a model for the state and the rest of the nation. State lawmaker Fiona Ma, a Democrat from San Francisco, has authored legislation that would set up pilot programmes to test, vaccinate and treat HBV in the broader Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. The bill has already passed its first hurdle and is working its way through the state legislature.

"In a year or so, perhaps anybody who walks through the door should be screened," said Dr. Fong. (END/2007)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

AsianWeek: B Sure, B Tested, B Free

SAN FRANCISCO — “B Sure, B Tested, B Free,” is the message the San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign is spreading to encourage all Asian Pacific Islanders to get tested for hepatitis B, a life-threatening disease responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancers among APIs.
 
On Apr. 25, California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, San Francisco Supervisor Ed Jew and S.F. Mayor Gavin Newsom led representatives from over 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander organizations to launch the largest healthcare campaign to target APIs in the U.S. at the New Asia Restaurant in San Francisco.


This major collaborative effort brings together city government, private healthcare and nonprofit community organizations in a 2-year-long campaign to screen, vaccinate, and treat all API residents for hepatitis B (HBV).
The campaign will spread its message with media outreach including Asian television, print, and radio as well as mainstream media outlets. 

“The hospitals in San Francisco are in full support of educating and providing hepatitis B health access to the Asian and Pacific Islander community,” said Brenda Yee, CEO of Chinese Hospital.
Members of the SF Hospital Council and the SF Community Clinic Coalition, the Asian Liver Center, API Wellness Center and others will provide accessible and free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations via physician offices, health clinics and street fairs. 

In November 2006, Mayor Newsom signed a resolution authored by then Supervisor Ma establishing the goal of universal HBV screening and vaccination for API residents. The SF Hep B Free Steering Committee was also formed, comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Asian Liver Center at Stanford University and the AsianWeek Foundation. 

On Apr. 24, over 100 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento to support AB 158, a bill authored by Ma requiring the California Department of Public Health to establish a hepatitis B prevention and management pilot program in the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area. The bill is expected to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee within the next month. 

“Many people are unaware that they may be infected with hepatitis B,” said Ma. “By raising awareness and directing resources, this bill can end the disproportionate impact the disease has on Asian Americans like me.”
Free hepatitis B testing will once again be available at the AsianWeek Foundation’s annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration on May 19 at Howard and 5th Streets. 

More information can be found at www.SFHepBFree.org or (888) 311-3331.

Asian American Press: "San Francisco is first city to test and vaccinate API population for hepatitis B"


Ming Pao: "馬世雲防乙肝提案過首關"


Tuesday, April 24, 2007

EndoNurse: "San Francisco Launches Hepatitis Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders"

SAN FRANCISCO -- Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Supervisor Ed Jew will lead representatives from over 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander (API) organizations to launch the first San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at New Asia Restaurant, at 772 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, Calif.

This major collaborative effort brings together city government, private healthcare and non-profit community organizations in a two-year campaign to screen, vaccinate, and treat all API residents for hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The San Francisco (SF) Hep B Free campaign will put San Francisco at the forefront of America in fighting chronic hepatitis. This campaign is also the largest healthcare campaign to target Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

San Francisco's API residents comprise 34 percent of the city's population and bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected HBV infection. Hepatitis B is a serious disease responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancers among APIs. San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation. It is estimated that one in 10 people in the API community have an undiagnosed infection. APIs are up to 100 times more likely to suffer from chronic HBV infection and four times more likely to die from liver cancer compared with the general population.

"Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious disease that is affecting the health of our vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Fortunately, a vaccine exists that is safe and effective. San Francisco is committed to preventing the spread of this virus. Please join our efforts in making San Francisco a hepatitis B free city."

In November 2006, Mayor Newsom signed a resolution authored by then Supervisor Fiona Ma establishing the goal of universal HBV screening and vaccination for API residents. The SF Hep B Free Steering Committee was also formed, comprised of the San Francisco department of Public Health, Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, and AsianWeek Foundation. Assemblywoman Ma serves as honorary chairperson. "I am proud to help lead this campaign because it focuses on prevention and awareness," said Assemblywoman Ma, an HBV carrier herself. "These are key factors for preventing the spread of hepatitis B in the Asian and Pacific Islander community."

"This is a big problem for Asians and Asian Americans," said Samuel So, director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University. "Most Asian Americans are recent immigrants and their doctors have never tested them.

The SF Hep B Free campaign will spread its message of B Sure, B Tested, B Free with media outreach including Asian television, print, and radio as well as mainstream media outlets. Members of the SF Hospital Council and the SF Community Clinic Coalition, the Asian Liver Center, API Wellness Center and others will provide accessible and free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations via physician offices, health clinics, and street fairs.

Source: Asian Liver Center at Stanford University

Press Release: "Asian Americans Rally to Support Assemblywoman Ma’s Hepatitis B Prevention Bill"

April 24, 2007

Assemblywoman Ma’s AB 158 to be heard later today in Assembly Health Committee

SACRAMENTO – Over 100 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to support AB 158 (Ma) and to urge Asian Americans to get tested and vaccinated for hepatitis B. AB 158, authored by Assemblywoman Ma (D-San Francisco), will be heard today in the Assembly Health Committee. Asian Americans rallied to support the bill and the need for additional awareness to prevent the further spread of the disease. Of the approximately 1.4 million Americans who are infected with hepatitis B, more than half are Asian/Pacific Islander Americans. Assemblywoman Ma, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, is leading the effort to ensure that all Asian/Pacific Islander Americans are aware of the disease and the vaccine.

“Many people are unaware that they may be infected with hepatitis B,” said Assemblywoman Ma. “By raising awareness and directing resources, this bill can end the disproportionate impact the disease has on Asian Americans like me.”

Today’s rally coincides with the start of The SF Hep B Free campaign, which puts San Francisco at the forefront of America in fighting chronic hepatitis. The campaign seeks to test and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islanders in San Francisco for hepatitis B. The goal of the campaign is to make the city hepatitis B free. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Mayor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Supervisor Ed Jew are leading the effort with more than 50 healthcare and API organizations. The campaign will be announced on Wednesday, April 25th at New Asia Restaurant at 772 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit www.SFHepBFree.org.

Specifically, AB 158 will require the Department of Public Health to establish a hepatitis B prevention and management pilot program in the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area. The program will provide culturally and language appropriates public awareness and other activities relating to the prevention and management of hepatitis B. The bill is expected to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee within the next month.

Contact: Nick Hardeman
Phone: (916) 319-2012

Monday, April 23, 2007

PRNewswire-USNewswire: "Largest Healthcare Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S."

San Francisco Hep B Free - B Sure, B Tested, B Free
First City in the U.S. to Test & Vaccinate All Asian and Pacific Islanders for Hepatitis B

Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Supervisor Ed Jew will lead representatives from over 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander (API) organizations to launch the first San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign on Wednesday,
April 25th at New Asia Restaurant at 772 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA.

This major collaborative effort brings together city government, private healthcare and non-profit community organizations in a 2-year-long campaign to screen, vaccinate, and treat all API residents for hepatitis B (HBV).

The SF Hep B Free campaign will put San Francisco at the forefront of America in fighting chronic hepatitis. This campaign is also the largest healthcare campaign to target Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

San Francisco's API residents comprise 34% of the city's population and bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected HBV infection. Hepatitis B is a serious disease responsible for 80% of all liver cancers among APIs. San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the API community have an undiagnosed infection. APIs are up to 100 times more likely to suffer from chronic HBV infection and 4 times more likely to die from liver cancer compared with the general population.

"Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious disease that is affecting the health of our vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Fortunately, a vaccine exists that is safe and effective. San Francisco is committed to preventing the spread of this virus. Please join our efforts in making San Francisco a hepatitis B free city."

In November 2006, Mayor Newsom signed a resolution authored by then Supervisor Fiona Ma establishing the goal of universal HBV screening and vaccination for API residents. The SF Hep B Free Steering Committee was also formed, comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, and AsianWeek Foundation. Assemblywoman Ma serves as honorary chairperson. "I am proud to help lead this campaign because it focuses on prevention and awareness," said Assemblywoman Ma, an HBV carrier herself. "These are key factors for preventing the spread of hepatitis B in the Asian and Pacific Islander community."

"This is a big problem for Asians and Asian Americans," said Dr. Samuel So, Director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University. "Most Asian Americans are recent immigrants and their doctors have never tested them.

The SF Hep B Free campaign will spread its message of B Sure, B Tested, B Free with media outreach including Asian television, print, and radio as well as mainstream media outlets. Members of the SF Hospital Council and the SF Community Clinic Coalition, the Asian Liver Center, API Wellness Center and others will provide accessible and free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations via physician offices, health clinics, and street fairs.

United Press International: "San Francisco Seeks to Reduce Hepatitis B"

SAN FRANCISCO April 23 (UPI) -- A San Francisco group is beginning a campaign to screen, vaccinate and treat the city's Asian and Pacific Island population for hepatitis B.

The group, made up of government, private healthcare and community organizations, is targeting the 34 percent of the city's population made up of Asian and Pacific Islanders.

Its message -- "B Sure, B Tested, B Free" -- will be going out on both Asian and mainstream media. Low-cost or free screenings and vaccinations will be provided at physician offices, health clinics and street fairs.

"The hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious disease that is affecting the health of our vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Fortunately, a vaccine exists that is safe and effective."

San Francisco's Asian and Pacific Island residents bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a disease responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancers among Asian and Pacific Islanders.

© Copyright 2007 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PRNewswire-USNewswire: "Largest Healthcare Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S."

San Francisco Hep B Free - B Sure, B Tested, B Free

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Supervisor Ed Jew will lead representatives from over 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander (API) organizations to launch the first San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign on Wednesday, April 25th at New Asia Restaurant at 772 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA.

This major collaborative effort brings together city government, private healthcare and non-profit community organizations in a 2-year-long campaign to screen, vaccinate, and treat all API residents for hepatitis B (HBV).

The SF Hep B Free campaign will put San Francisco at the forefront of America in fighting chronic hepatitis. This campaign is also the largest healthcare campaign to target Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

San Francisco's API residents comprise 34% of the city's population and bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected HBV infection. Hepatitis B is a serious disease responsible for 80% of all liver cancers among APIs. San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the API community have an undiagnosed infection. APIs are up to 100 times more likely to suffer from chronic HBV infection and 4 times more likely to die from liver cancer compared with the general population.

"Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious disease that is affecting the health of our vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Fortunately, a vaccine exists that is safe and effective. San Francisco is committed to preventing the spread of this virus. Please join our efforts in making San Francisco a hepatitis B free city."

In November 2006, Mayor Newsom signed a resolution authored by then Supervisor Fiona Ma establishing the goal of universal HBV screening and vaccination for API residents. The SF Hep B Free Steering Committee was also formed, comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, and AsianWeek Foundation. Assemblywoman Ma serves as honorary chairperson. "I am proud to help lead this campaign because it focuses on prevention and awareness," said Assemblywoman Ma, an HBV carrier herself. "These are key factors for preventing the spread of hepatitis B in the Asian and Pacific Islander community."

"This is a big problem for Asians and Asian Americans," said Dr. Samuel So, Director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University. "Most Asian Americans are recent immigrants and their doctors have never tested them.

The SF Hep B Free campaign will spread its message of B Sure, B Tested, B Free with media outreach including Asian television, print, and radio as well as mainstream media outlets. Members of the SF Hospital Council and the SF Community Clinic Coalition, the Asian Liver Center, API Wellness Center and others will provide accessible and free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations via physician offices, health clinics, and street fairs.

Stockhouse: "Largest Healthcare Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S."




RedOrbit: "San Francisco Seeks to Reduce Hepatitis B"


TherapeuticsDaily: "Largest Healthcare Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S."


The Washington Times: "San Francisco seeks to reduce hepatitis B"


Yahoo! News: "Largest Healthcare Campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S."


Friday, April 20, 2007

AsianWeek: "Community Celebrates AHSC Kickoff in SoMa"

Angela Pang

The fun and excitement of the annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration is just around the corner and with a month to go, approximately 200 community members and local elected officials gathered to kick off the street fair on Apr. 17 at the stylish Soma Grand Sales Center in San Francisco.

This year the fair will take place Saturday, May 19 on Howard and 5th streets from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in the evening there will be an after-party at the nightclub Suede. The location of the street fair rotates each year to showcase the different Asian enclaves in San Francisco.

"From the 1920s up to the present, and especially during the 50s and 60s, SoMa has been the entry point of Filipinos in San Francisco. It is home to many of our cultural centers, restaurants, seniors/veterans facilities, schools and churches," said College Board member Rodel Rodis. "We warmly welcome AsianWeek Foundation’s choice of SoMa as the site of its third annual fair as it celebrates Filipino culture and heritage which it integrates within the broader Asian American community."

Guests munched on delicious dim sum provided by Yank Sing Restaurant and sipped cocktails supplied by Takara Sake, who created a special drink, Tokyo-politan, similar to a Cosmopolitan, for the event. Instead of triple sec, HANA lychee-flavored sake is used.

Steve Nakajo, the executive director of Kimochi, Inc, emceed the kickoff while Ed Villa Carlos of EVCEntertainment provided music.

Among the exciting activities planned for this year’s fair are a karaoke competition with prizes, an anime
pavilion, manga, trading cards, video games and J-cars. There will also be Muay Thai Kickboxing, arts and crafts booths, food and live entertainment ranging in styles from Asian reggae, Korean dance and J-rock.

Asian Pacific American students will be recognized for achievement in visual and performing arts and a school raffle and fundraiser benefiting the San Francisco public school district will be held.

Attendees will once again be offered free Hepatitis B screenings sponsored by the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free campaign. This lifesaving campaign will make screenings available to all San Franciscans and is tied into Assembly Bill 158, authored by Assemblymember Fiona Ma.

"Health outreach is one of our important features of our street fair," said Ted Fang of the AsianWeek Foundation. "Hep B is the greatest health disparity between Asians and non Asians."

"The Street Celebration is a platform for all things Asian Pacific American," he added.

AHSC presenting sponsors are Comcast and California Pacific Medical Center.

"Soma Grand is pleased to host this event and participate in highlighting the diversity of our neighborhood. This South of Market area is becoming a vibrant new community here in San Francisco and Soma Grand is proud to be a member," said Alexis Wong, President/CEO of AGI Capital and developer of Soma Grand.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Press Release: "San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign"

April 18, 2007

San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign
B Sure, B Tested, B Free

First City in the US to test and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B

San Francisco, CA (April 18, 2007) – Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Supervisor Ed Jew will lead representatives from over 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander (API) organizations to launch the first San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign on Wednesday, April 25th at New Asia Restaurant at 772 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA.

This major collaborative effort brings together city government, private healthcare and non-profit community organizations in a 2-year-long campaign to screen, vaccinate, and treat all API residents for hepatitis B (HBV). The SF Hep B Free campaign will put San Francisco at the forefront of America in fighting chronic hepatitis and will be the largest healthcare campaign to target Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease responsible for 80% of all liver cancers among APIs. San Francisco’s API residents comprise 34% of the city’s population and bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected HBV infection. San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the API community have an undiagnosed infection. APIs are up to 100 times more likely to suffer from chronic HBV infection and 4 times more likely to die from liver cancer compared with the general population.

“Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious disease that is affecting the health of our vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “Fortunately, a vaccine exists that is safe and effective. San Francisco is committed to preventing the spread of this virus. Please join our efforts in making San Francisco a hepatitis B free city.”

In November 2006, Mayor Newsom signed a resolution authored by then Supervisor Fiona Ma establishing the goal of universal HBV screening and vaccination for API residents. The SF Hep B Free Steering Committee was also formed, comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, and AsianWeek Foundation. Assemblywoman Ma serves as honorary chairperson. "I am proud to help lead this campaign because it focuses on prevention and awareness," said Assemblywoman Ma, an HBV carrier herself. "These are key factors for preventing the spread of hepatitis B in the Asian and Pacific Islander community."

The SF Hep B Free campaign will spread its message of B Sure, B Tested, B Free with media outreach including Asian television, print, and radio as well as mainstream media outlets. Members of the SF Hospital Council and the SF Community Clinic Coalition, the Asian Liver Center, API Wellness Center and others will provide accessible and free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations via physician offices, health clinics, and street fairs. “The goal of the campaign is to bring awareness to each and every API living in San Francisco and have them tested for hepatitis B."" said Dr. Mitch Katz, Director of Public Health, City and County of San Francisco.

"We are very pleased to be a part of this campaign," said Brenda Yee, CEO, Chinese Hospital and President of the SF Hospital Council. "The hospitals in San Francisco are in full support of educating and providing hepatitis B health access to the Asian and Pacific Islander community."

“There are almost 400 million people in the world living with chronic HBV infection and 75% of them, about 300 million, live in Asia,” said Dr. Samuel So, Lui Hac Minh Professor of Surgery and Director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University. “This is a big problem for Asians and Asian Americans, because most Asian Americans are recent immigrants and their doctors have never tested them. For this reason, our SF Hep B Free campaign’s main message to every API in San Francisco is: B Sure, B Tested and B Free.”

###

Contacts:
Grace Niwa
Niwa Public Relations
Tel: 646-644-5799
grace@niwapr.com

About the San Francisco Department of Public Health
The mission of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is to protect and promote the health of all San Franciscans. The Communicable Disease Prevention Unit, a section of the Health Department prides itself in promoting Hepatitis B awareness and prevention strategies, including vaccination and testing sites throughout the San Francisco community. For more information, visit www.sfdph.org

About the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University
The Asian Liver Center at Stanford University is the only non-profit organization in the United States that addresses the high incidence of hepatitis B and liver cancer in Asians and Asian Americans. Founded in 1996, the ALC has grown to become a national and international leader in fighting this global epidemic through outreach, education, advocacy, and research. For more information, visit http://liver.stanford.edu

About AsianWeek Foundation
The AsianWeek Foundation is a community based non-profit that celebrates the diversity of Asian Pacific America through identity assemblage – bringing together the multiplicity of groups and personality that make up our community. The AsianWeek Foundation does this by raising funds to support such activities, organizing activities, and working with and supporting other community based groups. The AsianWeek Foundation also seeks interaction between Asian Pacific America and other communities and cultures. For more information, visit http://www.asianfairsf.com

About the San Francisco Hep B Free Coordinating Council
The SF Hep B Free Coordinating Council is a first-in-the-nation effort calling on the collaboration of a wide spectrum of organizations and agencies from the Asian Pacific American and healthcare communities for testing and vaccinating all Asian and Pacific Islander residents, with the goal of making San Francisco free of Hepatitis B. For more information, visit www.SFHepBfree.org
Contact Us | Copyright 2007-2010. San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign, a project of Community Initiatives, Inc. All Rights Reserved.