U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to Hold Hearing Concerning Viral Hepatitis and its Growing Impact in the U.S.

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MEDIA ADVISORY



Contacts: Mike Collins, Tel.: 202-494-6105, mikecollinspr@cox.net



Jennifer Moritz, Zer0 to 5ive, 917-748-4006, jmoritz@0to5.com



U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to Hold Hearing Concerning Viral Hepatitis and its Growing Impact in the U.S.



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WHAT: The United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing entitled, "Viral Hepatitis: The Secret Epidemic." The hearing will examine issues surrounding the prevention, detection, and control of viral hepatitis.



WHEN: Thursday, June 17, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.



WHERE: The Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2154, Washington D.C.



Live webcast: http://oversight.house.gov/



WHY: In response to a number of stimuli, including the Institute of Medicine Report released in January, the hearing will provide a forum for members of Congress to discuss viral hepatitis, its growing impact on the U.S., and options for improving the federal government’s response to hepatitis in the United States.

· An estimated 6 million Americans are living with chronic infection of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) – roughly six times the number of Americans with HIV. Most people infected are unaware: over 50% with HBV and over 75% with HCV.

· The costs to the healthcare system generated by advanced liver disease associated with chronic HCV infection are projected to increase from $30 billion to $85 billion per year. Medicare will be especially hard hit, as 2/3 of Americans with chronic HCV infection are baby boomers, and 75% are unaware of their status. These patients will soon age into Medicare and become prime candidates for advanced liver disease unless they are identified and treated.

· If passed, The Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009 would authorize a comprehensive prevention, education, research and medical management referral program to reduce the disease burden associated with these infections, and allow for the development of a national hepatitis strategy and implementation of the IOM’s recommendations, which include increased resources for prevention, testing, treatment and care.



Members of the House to testify:

· Hank Johnson (D-GA) – Currently living with chronic Hepatitis C

· Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

· Mike Honda (D-CA)



Witnesses Include:

· Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary of Health, HHS

· John Ward, Director, Viral Hepatitis Program, CDC

· Michael Ninburg, Executive Director, Hepatitis Education Project

· Jeffrey Levi, Executive Director, Trust for America’s Health

· Randy Mayer, Chief, Bureau of HIV, STD and Hepatitis, Iowa Dept of Public Health

· Mr. Rolf Benirshcke, Retired NFL player, Spokesman for hepatitis awareness



Interview opportunities can be arranged at any time