[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HEPATITIS B AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2005

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my support for House 
Resolution 250, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of a National Hepatitis 
B Awareness Month. Chronic liver disease is the tenth leading cause of 
death in the United States, so it is imperative for the Congress and 
federal government to become more focused on Hepatitis viruses.
  Viral hepatitis represents a disease entity caused by at least 5 
unrelated viruses which attack the cells of the liver. The majority of 
viral hepatitis cases are due to the hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis 
B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Infection with hepatitis B 
virus can produce a chronic infection which may lead to death from 
chronic liver disease.
  Studies show that 4.9 percent of Americans have been infected with 
HBV, of whom 1.25 million are chronically infected. The expected direct 
medical costs associated with acute and chronic HBV infection for one 
U.S. birth cohort are estimated to be $81.9 million. The consequences 
of hepatitis-induced chronic liver disease may not become apparent 
until decades after infection.
  Using the national data, it is estimated that more than 931,000 New 
Yorkers have been infected with HBV, with 46,550 of these persons 
chronically infected. An estimated 342,000 New Yorkers have been 
infected with HCV, with 237,500 of these persons chronically infected. 
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are complex infections that have 
significant epidemiologic, social and medical impact.
  In addition to the potential financial burden to the state and the 
Nation, viral hepatitis can have a tremendous impact on the lives of 
many New Yorkers. As a result, the New York State Department of Health 
(NYSDOH) identified the need for a comprehensive, collaborative and 
organized approach by partners across New York to address the public 
health problems associated with viral hepatitis.
  On June 3 and 4, 2003, the NYSDOH, along with partners and 
stakeholders from across the state, participated in the Viral Hepatitis 
Strategic Planning Summit. This summit was to be the beginning of the 
development of a statewide viral hepatitis strategic plan. The two-day 
meeting began with presentations by representatives from the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention and the NYSDOH. Then the 
participants were divided into four focus areas: (1) Prevention, (2) 
Education, (3) Surveillance and Research, and (4) Medical and Case 
Management. The focus areas served as the central elements of the 
strategic plan. By the end of the 2-day meeting, each focus area 
identified 3 to 5 priority issues, which were then developed into long-
term goals, each with strategies and 5-year action plans for meeting 
the goals.
  On Wednesday, May 11, at the Millennium Hilton, 55 Church St. in New 
York City, the Aim for the B campaign will conduct a media event to 
call greater awareness to hepatitis B. Speakers and panelists for the 
New York event include confirmed representatives from the Mayor's 
office, Hepatitis B Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical Center and 
Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. There will be other community 
events from coast-to-coast the week of May 9, and I salute those 
associated with this outreach and prevention effort.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for the chance to convey my unity of support 
for House Resolution 250 and for the impressive awareness efforts being 
conducted nationwide to address hepatitis B. 

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