Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Raising Awareness About Hepatitis B

This past Monday I attended the Jade Ribbon Youth Council's ribbon tying ceremony in downtown San Mateo to raise awareness about Hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis B is a health issue that affects all of us, killing over one million people worldwide each year.  And although anyone can be infected, people of Asian heritage are ten times more likely to contract liver cancer as a result of infection by "Hep B".

What is particularly tragic about this health concern is that there is a vaccine which will completely protect individuals from Hep B.  Language, cultural, and economic barriers prevent many Asians from getting tested and inoculated, which is why the work of the Jade Ribbon Youth Council and the San Mateo Hep B Free Organization are so important. 

Below are some photos from this week's event.  Keep an eye out during the coming year for a free Hep B screening near you! 

In downtown San Mateo to raise awareness about Hep B


Members of the Jade Ribbon Youth Council leading the flag salute at City Hall!

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