ADHS
News Release:
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Concert and Governor’s Proclamation are Highlights of Hepatitis C Awareness Month |
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Date: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
October 31, 2005 |
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Mary Ehlert, ADHS Public Information Officer: (602) 364-1201; cell (602) 721-0532
Michael Murphy, ADHS Communications Director: (602) 542-1094 |
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With more than 50,000 Arizonans infected with the hepatitis C virus, and the likelihood that many more are infected, but don’t know it… the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), together with the Arizona Hepatitis C Coalition are launching an awareness campaign. Governor Napolitano has declared
November to be “Hepatitis C Awareness Month” in Arizona. Her goal, and the goal of the ADHS Hepatitis C Program, is to urge people at risk to get tested for hepatitis C and for infected persons to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To further raise awareness about hepatitis C, the Arizona Hepatitis C Coalition is sponsoring “Harmony for Hep,” a concert at Flicka’s Baja Cantina in Scottsdale on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include the concert and dinner. The concert will feature Kelly’s Lot and Soul Catcher, all proceeds will benefit the Arizona Hepatitis C Coalition and Hep C Aware. Call (602) 690-2810 or (602) 769-1004 for tickets or more information about the Coalition.
“People with hepatitis C can stay healthy by leading a healthy lifestyle and following advice from their health care providers,” said Susan Gerard, Director of ADHS, “but first, at risk people need to get tested to know whether they have the disease.”
Transmission of hepatitis C occurs primarily through direct blood-to-blood contact. Transmission routes include sharing drug paraphernalia for both injection and non-injection drugs (needles, cookers, straws, pipes, etc.). Needles used for tattooing, body piercing, and acupuncture may also spread hepatitis C if not properly sterilized. Only a very small percentage of people may contract it through unprotected sexual activity.
Persons with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and use medications including over-the-counter medications only upon consultation with their doctor. Persons with hepatitis C should see their doctor regularly to monitor disease progression.
A blood test for HCV is the only way to find out if a person is infected. If you think you’re at risk, ask your doctor or clinic about hepatitis C screening. To learn more about hepatitis C, contact
the ADHS Hepatitis C Program at (602) 364-3658 or 1-800-496-9660 (outside Maricopa County) or visit
www.azdhs.gov, look under Hepatitis C Prevention in the A-Z index.
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