MORE Reflections from a Hepper at the 2005 Liver Meeting

This is just some ancilliary musings from AASLD

Hep C Awareness?

As my airport shuttle hit downtown San Francisco, I noticed banners adorning street lights which read, “Hepatitis Awareness Month – Get Tested.” These were done by the American Liver Foundation. I thought this was great – and a lot more action than I’d ever seen from this well-meaning organization – and clearly done in honor of the conference.

Given my little shoestring budget, I stayed in a hotel which was, while very clean, in an impoverished neighborhood. There were plenty of homeless, vagrants and a lot of people who likely struggle with drug addiction issues. As I walked down Mission St. to the conference, it was obvious that these banners went unnoticed by the very people whose lives might be effected - dare I say, saved - by getting tested.

Now this is my opinion (and you’re all entitled to it) … the mission of ALF is well intentioned, but these banners struck me with the same disappointment I felt at the last ALF fundraising dinner I attended: where they got through the entire night with only one mention of “hepatitis C” – when reading the mission. Disappointment at seeing money spent to welcome conventioneers, vs. actual awareness or efforts to provide HCV testing.

Service Organizations … anyone?

Anywho ... See y'all in about a week.

Got Hep C?

... get the straight up

... here.