Event Series:
Hepatitis Testing Day
Hepatitis Testing Day
May 19, 2027
Hepatitis Testing Day
Millions of Americans have chronic viral hepatitis, and most of them don’t know it. National Hepatitis Testing Day is on May 19. This day reminds health care providers and the public about viral hepatitis. The awareness colors associated with hepatitis are red and yellow, and teal and purple for Hepatitis Testing Day. Both color combinations are available on this site to recognize the importance of Hepatitis testing.
American Indian and Alaska Natives
HCV-related mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives is more than double the national rate. Early diagnosis and treatment of HCV is important to prevent the development of serious complications. Highly effective treatments for HCV are available. With appropriate planning and support, treatment is available at the primary care level.
NACCHO Survey and Hepatitis Testing Day
May 19, Hepatitis Testing Day, gives us an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and promote testing in hopes of identifying the millions of people who are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and are unaware of their status. Currently, half of all people living with chronic HCV and two-thirds of people living with chronic HBV are unaware of their status, thus demonstrating the importance of routine testing.
A recent NACCHO survey revealed that three-fourths of local health departments offer HCV screening, nearly two-thirds conduct linkage to care, and one in six provide HCV treatment. Additionally, more than half (59%) offer HBV screening/testing and linkage to care. LHDs are taking a coordinated approach to address the syndemic of substance use, HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis. Many offer HBV and HCV screening/testing and other services in STI clinics, harm reduction settings, and correctional facilities.
Accessing Care, Stigma and Misinformation
Efforts to promote hepatitis testing must also ensure that people living with HBV and HCV can access care. In the United States, more than half of people who inject drugs have HCV, and the majority of cases are spread through injection drug use. Unfortunately, people who use drugs often face stigma, misinformation, and other barriers that deter them from seeking healthcare services. For example, many providers are unwilling to treat people for HCV if they are actively using drugs and insurers have historically limited treatment to patients who are sober and/or have severe liver damage.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are vaccine preventable and Hepatitis C can be cured. Learn your status on Hepatitis Testing Day.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A infection usually causes a mild, short-term illness. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Many people with hepatitis B virus won’t experience symptoms and likewise, many people with hepatitis C don’t look or feel sick. In either case they might not know they have the virus. Left untreated, both infections can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. Getting tested is the only way to know you have either virus.
Although there is no cure for hepatitis B, treatments are available that can delay or reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but curative treatments are available. Most people with hepatitis C can be cured with just 8–12 weeks of well-tolerated oral-only treatment. Testing is the first step.
The Purpose of Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day
The purpose of Hepatitis Awareness Month is to educate health care practitioners and the public about the importance of vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B and the importance of testing and treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Each May we bring prominent viral hepatitis issues to the forefront by leveraging social media, sending direct communications to key stakeholders, and promoting informative webinars.
