TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Alexis Givings, City Clerk
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: May 6, 2025
Title
HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to proclaim May as Hepatitis Awareness Month.
Body
Background:
Millions of Americans are impacted by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), which cause infection of the liver. Greater than half of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware they are infected, thereby increasing their risk for severe health problems such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. With immunizations, access to clean syringes, and early detection, Hepatitis B and C can be prevented. Hepatitis B can be treated, and Hepatitis C can be cured, thereby saving lives.
The current epidemic of opioid and other substance use in the state is increasing transmission of these viruses that are spread through sexual intercourse, blood, primarily intravenous, and inclusive of intranasal drug use. The CDC recommends all individuals over the age of 18 and pregnant women be screened for the Hepatitis C Virus; at-risk populations and all people born in regions of the world where HBV is common be screened for Hepatitis B Virus, and routine vaccination against Hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about the impact of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in our communities, and to promote the importance of prevention, risk reduction, testing and treating.