National Low-Cost Hepatitis C Screening Program Launched for Hepatitis Awareness Month

National Low-Cost Hepatitis C Screening Program Launched for Hepatitis Awareness Month

Business Wire - May 22, 2000

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--May 22, 2000--Hep-C ALERT is now offering hepatitis C antibody blood tests to the public at a low cost of $25 each, anywhere in the U.S. at Quest Diagnostics Laboratory patient service sites (formerly SmithKline Beecham).

One or more of every fifty people in the United States is infected with the hepatitis C virus. Often called "The Silent Epidemic," the disease can linger without symptoms for decades while causing serious liver damage. Risk factors that indicate the need for prompt screening include:

-- Blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before 1992.

-- Treatments with blood clotting products before 1987.

-- Long-term kidney dialysis.

-- Shared drug needles; drug straws; body piercing needles; tattoo needles and inks.

-- Accidental needlesticks; blood contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

-- Unprotected sex with multiple partners.

-- Elevated liver blood tests.

-- Previous diagnosis of hepatitis B or HIV.

-- Unexplained fatigue.

-- History of any military service - particularly Vietnam veterans.

People who are concerned about their risk for hepatitis C should call Hep-C ALERT's toll-free hotline 1-877-HELP-4-HEP (1-877-435-7443) for a confidential health-risk assessment and referral for a blood test. Counselors are available Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30pm and on Saturday 10:00am to 1:00pm EST.

Hep-C ALERT, a national nonprofit service organization formed in 1997 whose mission is to raise awareness of and assist people affected by the disease; offers hepatitis C education, counseling, screening and medical referral services for individuals, public health and employer groups. For more information, visit the organization's website at www.hep-c-alert.org.

CONTACT: Hep-C ALERT, Inc., Hollywood Andi Thomas, C.E.O., 954/920-5277 ext. 101 954/920-7577 (fax)
000522
BW000506

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