FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
free Chinatown screening program with Chinese Hospital
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the country, primarily among Chinese and Asian residents. 80% of all liver cancer is caused by Hepatitis B infection. Chinese and Asians are 100 times more likely to be infected with Hep B than non-Asians. One out of 10 Chinese has chronic Hep B disease and could develop liver cancer. Only one out of 1,000 non-Asians is infected with Hep B.
There is a vaccine that prevents Hepatitis B infection, and there is medicine to prevent liver cancer.
SF Hep B Free will hold a dinner fundraiser on Thursday October 15 at the Empress of China. This dinner will support a partnership with the Chinese Family Associations and the Chinese Hospital, to offer free Hep B screenings in Chinatown. All Chinese and Asians in San Francisco should be tested for Hep B and see their doctor.
WHAT: B a Hero Gala fundraiser on Oct. 15, at the Empress of China Restaurant in San Francisco Chinatown, partnering with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Chinese Family Associations, and Chinese Hospital to provide free hepatitis B screenings in Chinatown.
WHEN: Monday October 5, 1:30 pm
Dr. Mitch Katz, Executive Director SF Dept of Public Health
Edward A. Chow, M.D., San Francisco Health Commissioner
Brenda Yee, President Chinese Hospital
Ted Fang, AsianWeek Foundation
Bong L. Wong, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Tong Jack Lew, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Damon Yee, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Wing Y. Leung, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Larry Lo, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Michael Kay, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Ivan S. Pung, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Albert G. Chin, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
WHERE: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
843 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA
RSVP to: Angela Pang, apang@asianweek.com, (415) 321-5894
About Hepatitis B
San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation, due to its high population of Asian Americans. HBV is the greatest health disparity between Asians and non-Asians. One in 10 Asians are chronically infected with Hep B and are 4 times more likely to die from liver cancer compared with the general population. 80% of liver cancer worldwide is caused by chronic HBV infection. Early detection of HBV will benefit the carrier as well as prevent the infection from spreading. Hepatitis B is not only vaccine preventable, but it also has effective treatments that can slow or prevent liver damage caused by the disease.
About San Francisco Hep B Free
San Francisco Hep B Free is a multi-faceted and comprehensive citywide campaign to turn San Francisco into the first HBV free city in the nation. It has become the model for the country and is being replicated in Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Mateo County, Los Angeles County, Orange County and other municipalities.
About B a Hero Gala Fundraiser
B a Hero Gala Dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Empress of China Restaurant Grand Ballroom, 838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, beginning at 6pm. This dinner will support free Hepatitis B screenings in Chinatown, partnering with Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association members and Chinese Hospital.
Special rate for community members of $100 ticket or $1,000 per table. For information and reservations contact Tamiko Wong, twong@awfoundation.com or (415) 321-5865.
sfhepbfree.org
