Whether you are a patient, a family member, a friend, a health care/service provider, or just someone who wants to know more about hepatitis or our organization, this site will provide you with information about the work we do and the issues facing hepatitis patients.

In an effort to raise awareness about hepatitis and the importance of being tested, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has designated May 19th as the first annual National Hepatitis Testing Day. In recognition of this historic occasion, the Hepatitis Education Project will be hosting a free hepatitis C testing event at Victor Steinbrueck Park, near the Pike Place Market in Seattle, from 10am-3pm on Saturday, May 19th.

At least 4 million Americans have hepatitis C; and an estimated 2 out of 3 people remain unaware of their infection. Hepatitis C affects all age groups but is most prevalent among people born between 1945 and 1965. A wave of infection went through this population in the seventies and eighties, virtually unnoticed, because the virus was unknown and undetectable at the time.  At our testing event, HEP will be targeting this “baby boomer” cohort. This is in conjunction with upcoming guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that will likely recommend a one-time hepatitis C antibody test for anyone born during this period.

Getting tested is the crucial first step. When left undiagnosed, hepatitis C can lead to serious health risks; it often leads to cirrhosis and is the leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplantation in the United States. And recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics have shown that hepatitis C death rates now surpass the number of deaths due to HIV/AIDS in the U.S.  However, unlike HIV, hepatitis C is curable. Early diagnosis of hepatitis C is critical for preventing new transmissions and managing the most serious effects of the virus. And for many people, getting tested and diagnosed is the first step to getting cured. 

For more information about HEP's National Hepatitis Testing Day event and others across the country, visit the CDC's National Hepatitis Testing Day website.

Introducing VOICE, HEP's new blog developed by our Youth Outreach and Prevention Officer that focuses on raising awareness about hepatitis and related health issues amongst youth and young adults. We'll be posting resources and information about prevention, advocacy & treatment that is relevant to younger populations who are living with, at risk for or otherwise affected by hepatitis.

Landmark Bill Would Increase Funding and Testing for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B Epidemics

Washington, DC -The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 was introduced in both Houses of Congress on November 4, 2011, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives and billions in taxpayer dollars.  In the House, this bi-partisan effort is lead by Congressman Dr. Bill Cassidy (R - LA) and Congressman Mike Honda (D - CA). Senator Kerry is leading the effort in the Senate. The Act establishes, promotes, and implements hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) screening and testing programs at State, local, territorial, and tribal levels. This important legislation aims to increase the knowledge of disease status in those chronically infected - from the current estimate of 25% for HCV; and 35% for HBV to 75% by 2016.

“Viral hepatitis is a silent killer,” said Senator Kerry. “Many people don’t even know they have hepatitis B or C until it causes liver damage or even cancer years after the initial infection. Today as many as 5.3 million Americans are battling this disease, but we still don’t have a national strategy to back them up in their fight. This bill will strengthen awareness, prevention, and treatment, hopefully stopping this silent disease from spreading further and claiming more lives.”