Hepatitis C – Partnership brings public education campaign

On November 17, 1998 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jimmy Morales and Executive Administrator of the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Annie R. Neasman joined the Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA) and its founder/president Debbie Delgado-Vega in launching a hepatitis C Public Education Outreach Campaign in Miami-Dade County.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the seriousness of the Hepatitis C virus. "We are attempting to bring together health professionals, community-based health centers, local organizations, media outlets and community leaders in a united effort to increase awareness of this silent epidemic that continues to affect the health and well being of thousands of families in our community," said Commissioner Morales.

The campaign kick-off began with a press conference and poster unveiling. The theme of the campaign Get Test, Get Treated is what Debbie Delgado-Vega considers the most important message we can bring to the community. If the Hepatitis C virus is undetected, it can lead to cirrhosis or final stage liver cancer. "Both afflictions are the third leading causes of death among Hispanic men and women between the ages of 40 and 65," said Delgado.

A kick-off luncheon was hosted by LOLA, Miami-Dade County and the Health Department at the Sheraton Biscayne Bay. The Schering Plough Corporation sponsored the luncheon that was attended by more than 1 50 health care professionals and interested community members.

Annie R. Neasman of the Health Department said, ''Hepatitis in all its forms is rapidly becoming a major cause of death and disability in Florida. While it is four times more prevalent than HIV, less than 5% of those with the disease know of their infection."