Foundation for Decision Making, Liver Wellness and Prevention of Hepatitis and Drug Abuse

Learn new techniques to protect yourself, your staff and your patients. We can train your staff, healthcare providers, and educators.

Call 1-800-891-0707
for information.

 

NNAC

 
National Nurses Advisory Council

Partners In Liver Wellness Website
Launched
 

     Partners in Liver Wellness, a program of the Hepatitis
     Foundation International, is available on line, with
     quick and easy messages, to help you know how to
     stay healthy and to understand why a healthy liver is
     essential to maintaining your body and its hundreds of
     vital functions. Click here

Viral Hepatitis Summit
Coming to a City Near You!

Atlanta    New Orleans   Indianapolis   Richmond

 
HFI will be hosting several Viral Hepatitis Summits during
Fall 2010. The Summits, geared towards educating mid-level healthcare workers as well as those working in the substance abuse and HIV arenas, provide needed training on the latest advances in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis. Currently, Summits are scheduled for New Orleans, Indianapolis and Richmond with future events being planned for Atlanta and Boston. 

To receive information on upcoming events, click here, send an email to info@hepatitisfoundation.org to receive email updates, or contact us at 1-800-891-0707.


            Rapid HCV Test Approved by FDA

OraQuick (R) Hepatitis C Rapid Antibody Test has been approved by the FDA. This user-friendly rapid test developed by OraSure Technologies, Inc can identify antibodies in whole blood in 20minutes making testing simple and speedy. OraSure has entered into agreements with Merck & Co to collaborate on the development and promotion of the OraQuick (R) HCV test. OraSure had previously received approval for its OraQuick Advance (R) Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody test for use with oral fluid, fingerstick, and venous whole blood and plasma samples.
 

 
Viral Hepatitis Hearing on Capitol Hill 
 

In response to the Institute of Medicine Report, Congressman Ed Towns, chair of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, convened a Hearing on Viral Hepatitis to obtain reports from the cross agency Viral Hepatitis Work Group. This Work Group was established to review the IOM report and develop a plan to respond to the issues identified in the report.  Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, reported on the current activities and urged the Administration and Congress to insure that additional funding and support be provided to bring viral hepatitis under control and reduce the incidence of these disease, cancer of the liver and the economic burden posed by inaction.

The Hearings have generated a great deal of media attention highlighting the need to quickly pass the Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act.

HFI Launches Partners in Liver Wellness Initiative  
 

The Hepatitis Foundation
 International hosted the 
 launch of its Partners in Liver
 Wellness initiative in Atlanta,
 Georgia.  Partners in Liver
 Wellness is a call to action to
 address the rising tide of
 preventable liver diseases,
 including hepatitis, fatty liver
 disease, and drug use and abuse and alcohol-related liver disease among America’s workforce. By enlisting leaders from the corporate and public health communities this national initiative will help employers promote liver health/wellness filling the enormous knowledge gap in liver health education. Our goal is to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by empowering individuals to understand the importance of the liver in maintaining healthier, more productive lives. Read more
 

Breaking News
 

FDA Considers Expanded Use of HCV Drugs

The FDA is considering the establishment of a compassionate use program that would allow severely ill hepatitis C (HCV) patients access to investigational, direct-acting antiviral agents. This effort to control Hepatitis C more effectively is in response to a petition by groups seeking access to the drugs for individuals often excluded from clinical trials, which are only open to a small subset of real-world HCV patients. Click here
 

The Influence of NAFLD and Its Associated Co-morbidities on Liver Transplant Outcomes

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a rising epidemic in the US, fueled in part by the dual epidemics of obesity and diabetes. As NAFLD increases in incidence and prevalence, researchers expect it to become the leading indication for liver transplantation in the next two decades. Click here

  Many Kids with Hepatitis C are Missed

Many children with hepatitis C go undiagnosed and untreated, which can lead to severe liver damage later in life. National data shows that between 0.2 percent and 0.4 percent of children in the United States is infected with hepatitis C. Most children and adults infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms or they may have fatigue or abdominal pain. Click here

Articles of Interest
 

  New York Needs Organ Donors!
 

   Semen Unlikely to be Reason For Sexually-Transmitted
        HCV

  Hepatitis C Infection Doubles Risk for Kidney Cancer

  Deadly Cancer is Preventable

  Improved Hep B Outcomes After Liver Transplant

  CEO Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
 

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