Hispanic/Latino people are more likely to die from viral hepatitis than white people in the United States, according to HHS’s Office of Minority Health. Further, they are 40 percent more likely to die from hepatitis C than whites despite having lower case rates.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at especially high risk of contracting hepatitis B, according to the CDC. About half of all cases in the United States are in this population, with an estimated 1 in 12 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living with hepatitis B.
Non-Hispanic Black people and American Indian/Alaska Native people are at higher risk for hepatitis C than other populations, according to HHS.
People who inject drugs, have HIV, or were born between 1945 and 1965 (baby boomers) are also at higher risk for hepatitis C.
Treatment of Hepatitis
Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day Is May 15, 2021
Hepatitis Testing Day Is May 19, 2021
HHS has online tools for locating a nearby provider of testing or vaccines.
World Hepatitis Day Is July 28, 2021
The American Liver Foundation hosts several awareness events throughout the country in June and beyond.
The American Liver Foundation’s Liver Life WalkThe American Liver Foundation’s Liver Life Challenge
Participating in a run, walk, or other endurance challenge can help you get outside after long months in lockdown, while also raising money and awareness for a cause you support.
Liver Life Walk 2021
Each year this event takes place coast to coast, but pandemic safety measures mean it will be done virtually on June 5. In doing so, it will raise not only awareness but also resources to support the education and research on liver diseases, including viral hepatitis. Learn More About the Walk and How to Join in the Liver Life Walk
Liver Life Challenge
You can also take the Liver Life Challenge and run, bike, or climb to lend your support and raise funds to fight liver disease throughout the year. In 2021, you have the New York Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, El Tour de Tuscon, or a host of other endurance events to participate in as fundraisers. Learn More About the Challenge and How to Join in a Liver Life Challenge
NHHAD: The Impact of Hepatitis C in the United States Webinar
Hep Free NYC: Addressing Access to Hepatitis Care Webinar
International HBV Meeting
American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Liver Meeting
Temporary or permanent volunteer opportunities are available throughout the country. Some organizations need help with advocacy, outreach, administration, and other practical tasks such as distributing meals or providing transportation to those in need. Organizations with volunteer opportunities include the American Liver Foundation, the Hepatitis Education Project, and Hep B United Philadelphia.
Share on Social Media
Use your social media platforms to spread the word about hepatitis. Repost hepatitis awareness links, memes, banners, and articles on Facebook, or retweet posts. A great account to follow on Twitter is HHS’s Viral Hep account, which is leading the agency’s Viral Hepatitis Action Plan and spreading awareness about the diseases.
Get Political
Wear Hepatitis Awareness Month Ribbons or Wristbands
Wear awareness ribbons during the month of May. This can catch the attention of others and spark conversations about the importance of testing for the disease.
Hepatitis B #JustB Patient Stories
Share Your Own Story and Tips for Living With Hepatitis
The month of May is also the perfect time to share your own story about hepatitis. Everyone’s experience is different, but everyone with the disease is fighting the same battle and working toward the same goal: better health.
American Liver Foundation Clinical — trial search on antidoteCenterWatch — Hepatitis Clinical TrialsNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — hepatitis C clinical research studiesClinicalTrials.gov — Hepatitis
Hepatitis Scholarship Program
FOSRX/FAST Scholarship Program
Hepatitis Online Support
Help-4-HepHepatitisC.net Forum
Educational Resources for Hepatitis
CDC: Know Hepatitis BAmerican Liver FoundationTreatment Action Group
Financial Assistance for Hepatitis
Assistance Fund Inc. — Hepatitis C Copay Assistance Program Wait ListHealthWell Foundation — Hepatitis C FundQuest Diagnostics Patient Assistance Program
Additional reporting by Valencia Higuera.
