HBUP at the 2019
American Public Health Association Conference
The American Public Health Association's (APHA) annual conference was held from November 2nd to November 6th in Philadelphia this year, and the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) and HBUP were thrilled to participate and connect with our partners from around the city!
Catherine Freeland, MPH, presented findings from Hep B United Philadelphia (HBUP), HepTREC, and African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) liver cancer screening efforts in Greater Philadelphia. The project focused on screening African Immigrant communities for hepatitis B and hepatitis C - the two main risk factors for liver cancer. From community-based screenings we found an 8% infection rate of hepatitis B and a 3% infection rate of hepatitis C indicating more outreach is needed within this community. Thanks to this partnership with AFAHO, all individuals were linked to care and vaccination if needed. 
Michaela Jackson, MS, presented research on discriminatory pricing of hepatitis B medication in Pennsylvania. The project identified several insurance companies in the state that are discouraging hepatitis B patients from choosing their insurance plans. Drug pricing discrimination can make it difficult for patients to access life-saving medication, and can increase the risk of liver disease or liver cancer for some individuals.
Walter Tsou, MD, MPH, one of HBF's Board Members, provided an inspirational Keynote speech at the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (APIC) for Public Health's Awards banquet noting the importance of public health to reduce health disparities within AAPI communities around the U.S. 
SEAMACC Receives APIC's
Community Organizing Recognition Award
Congratulations to the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition (SEAMAAC) for receiving the Community Organizing Recognition Award! The award is given by APHA's Asian Pacific Islander Caucus for Public Health (APIC) to recognize outstanding organizations dedicated to improving Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the nation.

Congratulations to SEAMAAC for this well-deserved recognition!
Update on the Pennsylvania Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan
Planning for the state viral hepatitis elimination plan is underway! In the first week of November, the new Pennsylvania Viral Hepatitis Elimination Planning Committee gathered in Harrisburg to work on a draft elimination plan. The draft plan, which is expected to be completed in spring 2020, will map out steps and actions that need to be taken in order to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the state of Pennsylvania.

HBF is documenting the process of making an elimination plan from start to finish. You can watch episodes from the series below.
New Webinar:
Hepatitis B Testing and Vaccination Programs in Correctional Facilities
Join NASTAD’s Hepatitis Testing Partnership and Hep B United on  Tuesday, November 12, 2019  at  2:00 PM EST  for a webinar to discuss efforts to increase hepatitis B testing and vaccination in correctional facilities!

Incarcerated persons often have a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, including hepatitis B infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination of adults in high-risk settings including correctional facilities. In this webinar, panelists will share efforts to increase hepatitis B testing and vaccination in state jails and prisons in Maine and Tennessee.

Speakers:
  • Jeff Caulfield, MPH, Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Rebecca Lakey, RNI Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program, East Tennessee Regional Health Office, Tennessee Department of Health

  • Judith Leahy, MPH, Viral Hepatitis Coordinator, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority

  • Ann A. Chakwin, PhD, Health Promotion Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Corrections
Hepatitis B Foundation Announces FDA Approval to Host Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting
In June 2020, HBF will be hosti ng an externally-led patient-focused drug development meeting. Chronic hepatitis B patients will be given a chance to speak with key stakeholders about what they are looking for in new hepatitis B treatments, and their experiences with other treatments. Patient engagement is critical to current and future strategies to improve health outcomes will best meet patients’ needs and have the greatest impact. 
During 2019, we are highlighting a unique patient story each month. Our  #justB  Storytelling Campaign is a national effort to bring individuals affected by hepatitis B to share their stories to shed light on this serious disease, decrease stigma, discrimination, and promote the importance of testing and treatment for hepatitis B. If you want to host a screening of the videos, we can help! It is a great way to spread the word and engage your local communities! Email  Catherine.Freeland@hepb.org .
#justB Educated
Click  here  to watch Cinder's inspiring story in English and Chuukese .
View other videos and learn more about our campaign at  www.hepb.org/justb
#justB Postcards Are Available Now!
#justB postcards are now available! There are postcards for all the storytellers. For a list of all the storytellers and their experiences, please visit   this website   and you can find them on the left of the website. If you are interested in ordering any postcards, please contact Catherine Freeland at  catherine.freeland@hepb.org .
Join the Hep B United Action Center
B ecome a Hep B Advocate! Join the Hep B United Action Center to get the latest updates and news about hep B policy issues, learn about upcoming advocacy events, and be notified of opportunities to take action and show your support for our  policy initiatives . You will also be provided with information, resources, and tools to help you communicate, educate, and engage your community.
HEP B UNITED PHILADELPHIA |  hepbunitedphiladelphia.org | connect@hepbunited.org