Since 2008, San Francisco City Hall has lit up on July 28th when the sun sets in honor of World Hepatitis Day. For years, SF Hep B Free Bay Area has invited friends and supporters to take a photo in front of the lit-up City Hall. This year, SF Hep B Free Bay Area partnered with North East Medical Services (NEMS) and End Hep C SF to host a press conference and photo opportunity in Civic Center Plaza to highlight the need to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis and the importance of testing and treatment for the real people who need it.
“Hepatitis B is one of the largest health disparities in San Francisco, with an estimated 1 in 12 Asians chronically infected and at risk for liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B infection is often known as the silent killer, and many people often don’t know they have it until it is too late. We have the tools to pave the way for a hepatitis free future. I encourage everyone to ask their doctor to get screened for hepatitis B and C if they haven’t already done so. It could save your life,” said Dr. Amy Tang, Director of Immigrant Health of NEMS. Richard So, the Executive Director of SF Hep B Free, and a representative from the End Hep C SF, spoke at the press conference as well.
To view media coverage of the event, please click on the following links:
Sing Tao
Sky Link TV
Sky Link TV – Facebook
Sky Link TV – YouTube
Wind Newspaper
Free Hepatitis B Screenings
NEMS is currently providing hepatitis B screenings to all community members. You do not need to be a NEMS member to receive a free test. Non-NEMS members can call our Member Services Department at 415-391-9686 and press ‘2’ after language selection or ext. 8160 to schedule an appointment. To learn more, click here to view or download the informational flyer (available in English and Chinese).
