Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green declared July 28, 2024, “Hawaiʻi Hepatitis Elimination Day.” Since this year’s day fell on a Sunday, Hep Free Hawaiʻi (HFH) and other community advocates convened at an invitation-only gathering at UH Mānoa to assess the progress of ongoing efforts around a statewide strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis. Attendees included Rep. Della Au Belatti, DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch Chief Tim McCormick, and Dr. Naoky Tsai.
Governor Green’s proclamation recognizes, in part, that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) broadly recommends vaccination for hepatitis B and that all adults over 18 get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once. In 2020, the CDC declared viral hepatitis a “winnable battle,” making it a national public health priority where significant progress can be made in a relatively short timeframe.
“We are excited about the passage of SB 3122 this year, which will expand hepatitis C screenings as a secondary prevention intervention. With a cure for hepatitis C and a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B, we have the medical tools available to prevent infections and provide treatment to those in need,” said HFH Co-Director and HHHRC Executive Director Heather Lusk.
Hawaiʻi resident Robert Hoffman is the recipient of the 2024 “Hep Free Hawaiʻi Hero” Award, which is presented annually to a local champion who has lived with or is impacted by viral hepatitis and “has demonstrated a commitment to improving their community’s awareness of and action towards hepatitis elimination in Hawaiʻi.” Hoffman’s hepatitis journey, “Live Life,” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Alexander Bocchieri.
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