Proclamation
WHEREAS, the month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States; and WHEREAS, TeamHBV San Jose, led by a group of 18 Archbishop Mitty High School students, aim to create hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer awareness in the community; and WHEREAS, May 18th to May 25th, 2025 is recognized a Hepatitis B Awareness Week, with May 19th designated as Hepatitis Testing Day. This week also coincides with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, providing an opportunity to increase awareness among city leadership and recognize this serious health threat to many in the AAPI community; and WHEREAS, hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver that is responsible for up to 80% of liver cancer cases. 1 in 10 Asian and Pacific Islanders are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and 25% of those chronically infected will die of liver cancer of liver failure without proper monitoring or treatment. Most of those infected are not aware of their infection because there are no symptoms until it is too late; and WHEREAS, TeamHBV San Jose recognizes the importance of raising awareness about hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matthew Serratto, Mayor of the City of Merced, do hereby proclaim the week of May 18th to May 25th, 2025 as Hepatitis B Awareness Week in the City of Merced.
Signed this 19th day of May 2025
Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced