Call 2-1-1 for Local Hep C Info. & Referrals
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Aloha United Way Hotline.In recognition of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, the Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii is focusing attention on Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to permanent liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring) and liver failure. Nearly five million Americans have been infected with the virus, making it the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States.
People with Hepatitis C may not feel sick and therefore may not know they have it until liver damage occurs. A vaccine is not available against the virus. The disease is spread mainly through the blood. Key risk factors include having ever used injections drugs, or having received a blood transfusion or organ transplantation before screening of blood was begun in 1992. It is important to be checked for Hepatitis C if there are any risk factors. Early detection can reduce spread to others and therapy can stop progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
People with any risk factors for viral hepatitis are encouraged to talk with their physicians to receive more education and follow-up care. People may also purchase a Hepatitis C Test Kit from the Home Access Health Corporation website at www.homeaccess.com to see if they have been infected with Hepatitis C. This service has trained counselors to provide callers with information about hepatitis C as well as physician referral information.
Ken Akinaka, MRA, founder of the Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii, says that “one of our goals is to help our communities learn about hepatitis resources in Hawaii. We are working with Aloha United Way to add hepatitis resources to the information and referral number in Hawaii.”
If you have questions about hepatitis in Hawaii, you can now call 2-1-1 and an Aloha United Way Information and Referral Specialist can direct you to a number of Hepatitis resources in Hawaii. 2-1-1 is a free call from anywhere in Hawaii, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all calls are confidential.
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