FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2005
For additional information contact:
Amy Morris, Community Relations Coordinator
616.632.7110
Kent County Health Department Recognizes May as National Hepatitis Awareness Month
It is estimated that one out of 20 people in the United States will be infected with Hepatitis sometime in their lives. Hepatitis C currently affects over four million Americans – four times more people than HIV.
(Grand Rapids, Mich) – In recognition of National Hepatitis Awareness Month the Kent County Health Department, in collaboration with the Michigan Hepatitis C Foundation, is working to raise awareness of the disease in Kent County.
Kent County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit and Michigan Hepatitis C Foundation members are taking to the streets on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 to distribute information on Hepatitis risk factors along with prevention and treatment options. Information will be hand delivered to Kent County’s tattoo parlors, health care providers, public health clinics, homeless shelters, and select non-profit agencies.
“We’re taking a non-traditional approach to the distribution of this information because Hepatitis is a growing concern nationwide and in our community. Our hope is to raise people’s awareness levels and encourage individuals with risk factors to seek testing and/or treatment,” said Dr. Mark Hall, Kent County Health Department Medical Director.
The Kent County Health Department offers free/low cost testing for individuals displaying Hepatitis risk factors through its Community Clinical Services Division. Hepatitis awareness information has also been added to the Health Department’s website at www.accesskent.com/hepatitis. Visitors will find valuable information including: a self-evaluation survey, a listing of community resources, and links to treatment facilities.
The Michigan Hepatitis C Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing public awareness, current information, and emotional support for those living with or affected by hepatitis C. To learn more about the Michigan Hepatitis C Foundation go to www.mihepc.org
Hepatitis is caused by a virus that attacks the liver and comes in several different forms with the most common being hepatitis A, B, and C. The viruses HBV and HCV are the most serious of the three and can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and death.
Hepatitis is spread through blood and other bodily fluids. The most common forms of transmission are: unprotected sex, sharing drug needles or drug “works,” needle sticks/sharps exposures to workers in the medical field, and from an infected mother to her child during birth.
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KCHD has been in the business of providing health services to the whole of Kent County since 1931. With approximately 70,000 square feet of space – including a 10,000 square foot Public Health Laboratory and 13,000 square feet of clinic space – the Health Department building is home to nearly 325 employees including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, and public health administrators. The Kent County Health Department operates five satellite clinics located in Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Sheldon Complex, and the Westside of Grand Rapids. To learn more about our services visit www.accesskent.com/health
