Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009(H.R.3974)
The Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, research, and medical management referral program for chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C virus infection, to include the following:
- Education & Training
- Medical Referral
- Hepatitis B & C Disease Control
- Surveillance
- Immunization
- Research
- State Health Department Adult Viral Hepatitis Coordinators
- Integration with Existing Programs
- Expanded Access to Services for Underserved and Disproportionately Affected Populations
Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA), chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the bi-partisan Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Prevention and Control Act of 2009, to address a national Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C epidemic impacting America.
Rep Honda, chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said "Chronic Hepatitis B and C are silent killers, poised to strike millions of Americans and it is time for Congress to act in a concerted effort to educate particularly vulnerable communities as well as the general public."
Rep Dent: "Hepatitis B and C are treatable diseases when detected early and properly managed."
Rep Towns: "Viral hepatitis is a critical health issue that needs the nation's attention."
Rep Wu: "Hepatitis infections disproportionately affect Asians and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and Hispanic populations in the United States."
Rep Cao: "... I am glad this bill is comprehensive in its approach to educating about, detecting, and treating Chronic Viral Hepatitis."
Rep Cassidy: "As a Hepatologist, I have witnessed firsthand the consequences hepatitis can inflict on a patient's health, their families and the nation's health care budget."
