May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month

May 9, 2012

May 19, 1012 is the first ever Hepatitis Testing Day inthe United States. Since chronic hepatitis often does not cause any symptoms until serious liver damage has been done, testing for hepatitis is crucial.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can become chronic, life-long infections which can lead to liver
cancer. Millions of Americans are living with chronic viral hepatitis, and many do not know they are infected.

HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis,  and other sexually transmitted infections have socially and culturally based stigmas, and as a result, barriers persist in preventive education.   Studies have documented disparities in access to care and treatment and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and/or HCV in underserved and/or marginalized communities.

Learn more about the social work role in promoting awareness and treatment for this emerging
health issue of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis
co-infection from the NASW HIV/AIDS Spectrum Project.

Find out if you should be tested by taking a 5 minute online Hepatitis Risk Assessment.

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