Recognizing May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Hepatitis is a medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver and characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ and the condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis; and

WHEREAS, The American Liver Foundation was created in 1976 with a mission to facilitate, advocate, and promote education, support, and research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver disease and conditions like Hepatitis, and liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., taking approximately 27,000 American lives each year; and

WHEREAS, A group of viruses known as the Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses cause most cases of Hepatitis worldwide, but Hepatitis can also be caused by toxic substances, certain infections, and autoimmune diseases; and

WHEREAS, Any Hepatitis virus presents a serious medical concern and the Philadelphia metropolitan area has a high prevalence for individuals living with the Hepatitis C infection and over 40,000 Philadelphians are living with Hepatitis C, which can cause liver cancer and death; and

WHEREAS, The Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia (“HepCap”) is positioning Philadelphia as a national leader in the fight against Hepatitis C by mobilizing local stakeholders to raise the public profile of this virus as an urgent health priority, identify gaps in local Hepatitis C services, and develop collaborative and innovative projects to improve access to Hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment services; now, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize May as Hepatitis Awareness Month.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the American Liver Foundation and the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia as an expression of appreciation of this legislative body.

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