PI Action alerts & updates ... 2007

PI ACTION ALERT:
Urge President Bush to Support National Hepatitis Awareness Month!

February 20, 2007

For the past 12 years, May has been recognized by advocates, public health officials, and many state/local governments as "National Hepatitis Awareness Month". The purpose of this month is to educate the public about viral hepatitis and encourage testing. It is estimated that there are more than 6 million Americans living with chronic hepatitis C and/or hepatitis B. Most of the 5 million Americans who have already been infected with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection. An estimated 225,000 people with hepatitis C are co-infected with HIV.

Unfortunately, President Bush has not responded adequately to this crisis. Requests by advocates over the years to issue a Presidential Proclamation demonstrating his administration's support for this important awareness month have been met with no action. A proclamation would send a strong message that the Bush Administration recognizes the seriousness of this public health issue and would help with national educational efforts. It would cost no money and could save countless lives.

Please take a few minutes to email or call the White House and urge President Bush to show leadership and issue this proclamation!

How you can help:
Before the end of February, email President Bush or call the White House comment line and deliver the following message:

"I urge President Bush to issue a Presidential Proclamation demonstrating his support of May, 2007 as National Hepatitis Awareness Month. There are more than 6 million Americans currently living with chronic hepatitis C and/or hepatitis B and most are not aware of their infection. The President's leadership is needed to address this serious public health issue."

You can email the White House at comments@whitehouse.gov. You can call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference on this important issue!