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An estimated 3.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic Hepatitis C infection.

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Hepatitis Awareness Month Toolkit 2024

In May, HepVu recognizes Hepatitis Awareness Month (HAM). This month provides plenty of opportunities to shed light on the hidden epidemic of viral hepatitis and encourage people to get tested, get vaccinated, and seek treatment through various platforms.

Please use the following resources to spread awareness and knowledge about the viral hepatitis epidemic in the U.S.

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Millions of people in the U.S. are living with viral hepatitis, and thousands of new cases are reported every year.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 67% of people with Hepatitis B and 51% of people with Hepatitis C do not know they have the virus, preventing them from getting lifesaving care that can manage Hepatitis B and cure Hepatitis C. Without diagnosis, people with Hepatitis B are at risk for serious and potentially fatal health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. As of 2016, nearly half of liver cancer cases were attributable to Hepatitis C.

Viral hepatitis also disproportionately impacts underserved communities. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent about 5% of the U.S. population, but almost half of all people living with Hepatitis B. Other disproportionately affected groups include American Indian/Alaskan Natives, non-Hispanic Black people, people who inject drugs, people living with HIV, people experiencing homelessness, and people born between 1945 and 1965. Additionally, Eastern and Southeastern states experienced the highest rates of Hepatitis C.

As of 2021, Hepatitis C cases have drastically increased. The number of acute Hepatitis C cases has doubled since 2014, and 57% of cases with risk information reported injection drug use, underscoring the role that ending the opioid epidemic plays in ending the viral hepatitis epidemic.

HAM, National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day (May 15), and Hepatitis Testing Day (May 19) provide ample opportunities to spread awareness about the importance of getting tested, getting vaccinated, and seeking treatment. Together, we can empower people and communities to seek viral hepatitis care and help end this deadly epidemic.

Share our Infographics

Sample Tweets:

About viral hepatitis:

Health Disparities:

  • People who inject drugs are particularly at risk for #HepC. From 2014 to 2021, 57% of risk-adjusted cases reported injection drug use. #HepatitisAwarenessMonth.
  • Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders account for nearly half of all people living with #HepB. During #HepatitisAwarenessMonth and #AAPIHeritageMonth, it is crucial to address the barriers that prevent AAPI communities from receiving #HepB treatment.
  • Health disparities greatly contribute to concentrations of viral #hepatitis among certain communities. This #HepatitisAwarenessMonth, we must acknowledge the need for resources and #hepatitis health equity.

National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day, May 15:

  • Today is National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day. #DYK between 2020 and 2021, #HepB increased among the Hispanic community? This #HepatitisAwarenessMonth and #NationalHispanicHepatitisAwarenessDay, it is crucial to shed light on Hispanic #hepatitis numbers.

Hepatitis Testing Day, May 19:

  • Continued #hepatitis testing and surveillance is essential to ending the viral #hepatitis epidemic. This #HepatitisTestingDay, find testing services near you: https://hepvu.org/services/#/
  • Did you know? The CDC recommends #HepB and #HepC testing for all adults over the age of 18 along with pregnant people during pregnancy. Find a testing site near you: https://hepvu.org/services/#/

Resources:

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