Dated: April 24, 2024
RECOGNITION OF HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2024
WHEREAS, viral hepatitis related illness takes the lives of 1.1 million people worldwide each year. More people die in California from hepatitis B and C related liver disease than in any state, and over a third of the liver transplants each year are performed for liver disease or cancer caused by viral hepatitis; and WHEREAS, in the United States, one in 12 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B in comparison to one in 1,000 non-Hispanic Whites; and WHEREAS, greater than half of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware they are infected, thereby increasing their risk for severe health problems such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver transplant, and death; and WHEREAS, Californians can protect themselves and their loved ones from viral hepatitis by learning about the vaccines available against hepatitis A and B, the simple steps to get screened from chronic hepatitis B and C, and the highly effective treatments that could prevent complications and death; and
WHEREAS, this is especially important for Asian and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos, who are more likely to die from hepatitis liver disease than Caucasians; and
WHEREAS, in California, hepatitis B and C screening according to the U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and antiviral treatment for hepatitis B and C are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and by ACA compliant health plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby recognize May 19, 2024, as Hepatitis Testing Day and the entire month of May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the City of South San Francisco and urge all citizens to join in this special observance. ________________________________
James Coleman, Mayor
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Eddie Flores, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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Mark Nagales, Councilmember
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember