The Alliance and other public health groups are teaming up to hold the third annual Hepatitis C Summit in in Los Angeles on November 17.
The summit will provide a forum for education and discussion among local elected and appointed officials, community-based organizations, medical experts and consumers on the emerging hepatitis C epidemic and the impact of the disease on infected individuals and at-risk populations in Los Angeles County.
“Our aim in this third year is to raise awareness about a potentially deadly disease that lacks community and media attention,” said Alliance Southern California regional director Alberto Mendoza, who is also the Los Angeles County Hepatitis C Task Force co-chair. “We will educate the public, honor key leaders and share the latest information on this disease through this important summit.”
The California Department of Corrections estimates that half of the female prison population and 40 percent of male prisoners are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Coinfection with HIV, especially among injection drug users, is a significant problem, with some estimates suggesting that as many as one-quarter of people with HIV are coinfected with HCV. HCV infection is more serious in HIV-infected persons, leading to liver damage more quickly and possibly affecting the treatment of HIV infection.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Supervisor Gloria Molina will co-chair the summit, which will also be attended by Assemblymember Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood), who will receive an award for his work to combat hepatitis C through sound public policy. The keynote address will be delivered by L.A. City AIDS Coordinator Stephen David Simon.
The general public is welcome at the summit and attendance is free, but space is limited so advance registration is advised. For information on how to register please call (213) 381-0515.
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