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2013 Health Center and Public Housing National Symposium

“Keys to Health Center Success”

 

 

For more information please visit our 2013 Health Center and Public Housing National Symposium “Keys to Health Center Success” registration page by clicking HERE

The 2013 Health Center and Public Housing National Symposium “Keys to Health Center Success” Agenda and Breakout Sessions can be found HERE

Please click HERE to visit our 2013 National Symposium page for more information.

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May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The most common types are Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). In the United States, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may cause more health problems for people because they are chronic forms of the infection. Hepatitis A is most often seen in men who have sex with men (MSM), injection drug users (IDU) and foreigners who migrate from countries where HAV is common. HAV is mostly spread from person to person or by contaminated food and water.

HBV is spread through bodily fluids, much like sexually transmitted infections. At-risk populations for HBV are MSM, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and IDUs. HBV and HCV are also linked to liver cancer and mostly affects minorities such as Asian/Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and the aging population.

Fortunately there are vaccines available for HAV and HBV and there are no restrictions as to who can receive them. Currently the government is promoting early vaccination in children to prevent the development of the infection in the future.

African Americans are at a greater risk of developing HCV than other minority populations.  The Centers for Disease Control estimate that about 3.2 million people are infected with HCV. The most common mode of transmission is injection drug use, although HCV has the possibly to be spread through sexual contact.

The CDC has designed a brief survey, Hepatitis Risk Assessment, that will provide a report on your risk for viral Hepatitis.

Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19, click here to learn more about testing.

To spread the word about Hepatitis, use and distribute this infograph by the American Liver Foundation.

 

 

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 Previous Webinars:

The “A Look into Maryland’s Exchange Program – Providing Continuous Quality Care to Your Community” Webinar can be viewed HERE

The “Strategies for Effective Board Governance in Health Centers” Webinar can be viewed HERE

 The “Making an Impact on Hepatitis C in Your Health Centers” Webinar can be viewed HERE .