The “Secret†Epidemic: Disparities in Hepatitis C Incidence, Treatment, and Outcomes
The “Secret” Epidemic: Disparities in Hepatitis C Incidence, Treatment, and Outcomes
A Webinar Presentation and Discussion
produced by
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute
in Conjunction with
Dialogue4Health.org
In the United States, it is estimated that nearly 1.8% of the population – between 2.7 and 3.9 million Americans – may be infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), with 75 percent of those individuals unaware of their diagnosis. This prevalence is nearly four times the prevalence of both HIV and Hepatitis B, but a significantly larger percentage of those infected with HCV are undiagnosed. Of those infected, 55-85% subsequently develop a chronic HCV infection. Most individuals are asymptomatic for years—or in some cases, decades—before this chronic HCV infection leads to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
HCV disproportionately affects communities of color and other populations that face barriers to treatment. But new tools and technologies offer great promise for early detection and treatment of the disease.
On March 16, 2011 the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies will host a Webinar to release a report, The “Secret” Epidemic: Disparities in Hepatitis C Incidence, Treatment and Outcomes, that summarizes research on new opportunities to tackle the HCV epidemic.
What: A Webinar discussion on racial and ethnic disparities in Hepatitis C incidence and treatment, and provide recommendations for federal strategies to address the disease.
Who: Featured speakers include:
- Bryant C. Webb, President, Student Medical Association
- Charles D. Howell, MD, Professor of Medicine and Director, Hepatology Research, University of Maryland - Medical School
- Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer, the National Minority Quality Forum.
- Andrew J. Muir, MD, Director, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Research, Duke Clinical Research Institute
- Moderator: Brian D. Smedley, Ph.D., Vice President and Director, Health Policy Institute
When: Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 1:00p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
To Register, please visit https://publichealthinstitute.webex.com/publichealthinstitute/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=965674684
