FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chinese Community Groups Recognized for Hepatitis B Awareness Efforts

Contact: Angela Pang, apang@asianweek.com, (415) 321-5894

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Hep B Free will be honoring 9 Chinatown community organizations for their efforts in helping make San Francisco free of Hepatitis B. The organizations include: Lim Family Association, Hop Wo Benevolent Association, Hoy Sun Ning Yung Benevolent Association, Sam Yup Association, Chinese Hospital, Soo Yuen Benevolent Association, Portsmouth Square Garage, North East Medical Services and American Legion Cathay Post #384. This Spring, Chinese Hospital will be partnering with these organizations to provide free hepatitis B screenings in Chinatown.

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.

All Chinese and Asians in San Francisco should be tested for Hep B and see their doctor.

WHEN:
Thursday January 28, noon

WHO:
Carmen Chu, Supervisor District 4
Roger Louie, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Presiding President
Damon Yee, Hop Wo Benevolent Association
Michael Kay, Sam Yup Association

WHERE:
Imperial Palace Restaurant
816 Washington Street, San Francisco

Lunch will be provided for media, please RSVP to Angela Pang, apang@asianweek.com, (415) 321-5894 by Wednesday Jan. 25 at 2pm.

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ABOUT Hepatitis B

Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) are disproportionately impacted by Hepatitis B. It is a disease of the liver caused by HBV, a virus often called a "silent killer" because it can cause liver cancer, cirrhosis or liver failure without producing symptoms. San Francisco has the highest liver cancer rate in the nation, and 80% of liver cancer in APIs is caused by HBV. But it's preventable with a simple vaccine.

ABOUT San Francisco Hep B Free
www.sfhepbfree.org

San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare and community organizations. The program's goal is to make San Francisco a hepatitis B-free city by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating APIs for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine HBV screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. The campaign's theme is "B a Hero. See a doctor who tests for Hepatitis B."