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CAPAC Chair Judy Chu Releases Statement on HHS Viral Hepatitis Report

May 12, 2011

CAPAC Chair Judy Chu Releases Statement on HHS Viral Hepatitis Report

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), today issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ action plan to prevent and treat viral hepatitis, an epidemic affecting 3.5 to 5.3 million Americans.

“The long-awaited plan outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an incredibly important step in our efforts to combat the spread of viral hepatitis. This report is critical for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community where hepatitis B is especially lethal. AAPIs make up 5.5% of the U.S. population, but account for more than 50 percent of chronic hepatitis B cases. That is why CAPAC is leading the effort to pass a health disparities bill that includes programs designed to improve the way viral hepatitis is diagnosed and treated. Together, we can reduce the glaring disparities plaguing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and prevent this silent killer from striking so many. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who was the driving force behind this initiative, and thank Dr. Fenton of the CDC for being so proactive.” 

Please find a link to the plan below:
https://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/


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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.

https://capac.chu.house.gov