Monday, May 31, 2010
"KTSF: Talk Tonight" with Dr. Kenneth Tai and Jordan Liu Su
The link to the show archive will be posted soon!
It takes a community to stop Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B
The recent launch of San Francisco Hep B Free’s new ad campaign has created quite a stir, not just for its provocative "Which One Deserves to Die" message that highlights the shocking statistic that one in ten Asians is chronically infected with hepatitis B, but also for the cost to produce such a complex and broad-scale citywide campaign.
How did a small, non-profit organization with a very tight budget manage to roll out a public health campaign worth over a million dollars?
"This is a community that cares deeply about its own," says Christine Hsu, Project Director of SF Hep B Free. "We reached out to local businesses, media outlets, community groups and everyday individuals and asked them to participate. They got behind us en masse, and we can't thank them enough for their support."
Ten people from San Francisco's diverse Asian communities are featured in each ad theme. Pageant queens, physicians, basketball players and others can be seen on television, billboards, buses, METRO/BART stations, newspapers, and online. All of the sixty models were volunteers from the community, and numerous businesses donated their services, including DAE Advertising who provided advertising direction for nine months, pro bono.
"Not many productions we work on actually have the opportunity to save lives," said Dennis Chang of Amusa Films, the film director who donated his time to direct the commercials along with his producer, Michael Siu. "Telling a compelling story that the audience can immediately identify with was essential to the effectiveness of the overall campaign."
Nick Wong, General Manager of the elegant Tommy Toys Restaurant, said, "When they asked me if they could film the commercial at our restaurant, I didn’t hesitate to say yes." The commercial features ten members of an Asian family taking a family portrait during dinner.
"A small organization like ours doesn’t normally have big budgets to work with," said Ted Fang, Co-Founder, SF Hep B Free who shepherded the campaign’s development. "We have the community behind us, alliances, partnerships and resources, but more funding is needed to continue the work we do and to help other groups wanting to replicate Hep B Free in their cities that are turning to us for advice and support."
The campaign has received national attention and has been featured in The New York Times, CBS, PBS, and other local and national media. Visit SFhepBfree.org for more information.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Radio Interview with Dr. Stuart Fong of Chinese Hospital
Click here for audio interview
"Which One Deserves to Die?"
Editor's Note: You might have seen this provocative ad campaign already: ten asian beauty queens with the bold statement, "which one deserves to die?" It's about raising awareness of the fact that one in ten Asian Americans are infected with Hepatitis B. San Francisco is a gateway city for Asian immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B. Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute says that San Francisco also has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. Eight out of ten liver cancer patients start off as Hepatitis B patients. Dr. Stuart Fong runs the Hepatitis B vaccination clinic at the Chinese Hospital in San Francisco. He talks about the campaign to make San Francisco the first Hepatitis B free city in the country.
"Which One Deserves to Die?"
Editor's Note: You might have seen this provocative ad campaign already: ten asian beauty queens with the bold statement, "which one deserves to die?" It's about raising awareness of the fact that one in ten Asian Americans are infected with Hepatitis B. San Francisco is a gateway city for Asian immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B. Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute says that San Francisco also has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. Eight out of ten liver cancer patients start off as Hepatitis B patients. Dr. Stuart Fong runs the Hepatitis B vaccination clinic at the Chinese Hospital in San Francisco. He talks about the campaign to make San Francisco the first Hepatitis B free city in the country.
Hepatitis B Awareness: “Which One Deserves to Die?”
San Francisco Citizen
May 26, 2010
Hepatitis B Awareness: “Which One Deserves to Die?” (It’s Always the Third From the Left)
MUNI has this Hepatitis B ad campaign all over the place these days. It’s a little edgy, they’re saying. So much so, some people refused to participate in the group shots of health professionals and athletes and whatnot.
But DYN that the answer always turns out to be The Third One From The Left? It’s uncanny. This method works on all the ads. Check and you’ll see.
(Sometimes when you ask a silly question, you’ll get a silly answer, huh? I could think of a few, how do you say, more nuanced approaches than the one used, but nobody asked me so there you go.)
Anyway, more seriously, let’s get a second opinion from Dr. Steven Suydam, who seems impressed with this campaign:
“Screening is only the first step. Those who perform the screening need to take steps to ensure that those who test negative subsequently receive the vaccine, and that those who test positive receive hepatitis titers (levels) and annual liver ultrasound exams.”
But of course, the first step is raising awareness among the general population as well as medical professionals. (And, bonus, now I know what those Superman-style blue and red t-shirts are for. Until today I thought I the giant “B” was San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty’s logo - “Super Bevan” or something. Srlsy.)
So, here’s your free screening schedule
This Hep B advertising onslaught appears to be an especially effective way of marking the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Three cheers.
For entire article, click here
May 26, 2010
Hepatitis B Awareness: “Which One Deserves to Die?” (It’s Always the Third From the Left)
MUNI has this Hepatitis B ad campaign all over the place these days. It’s a little edgy, they’re saying. So much so, some people refused to participate in the group shots of health professionals and athletes and whatnot.
But DYN that the answer always turns out to be The Third One From The Left? It’s uncanny. This method works on all the ads. Check and you’ll see.
(Sometimes when you ask a silly question, you’ll get a silly answer, huh? I could think of a few, how do you say, more nuanced approaches than the one used, but nobody asked me so there you go.)
Anyway, more seriously, let’s get a second opinion from Dr. Steven Suydam, who seems impressed with this campaign:
“Screening is only the first step. Those who perform the screening need to take steps to ensure that those who test negative subsequently receive the vaccine, and that those who test positive receive hepatitis titers (levels) and annual liver ultrasound exams.”
But of course, the first step is raising awareness among the general population as well as medical professionals. (And, bonus, now I know what those Superman-style blue and red t-shirts are for. Until today I thought I the giant “B” was San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty’s logo - “Super Bevan” or something. Srlsy.)
So, here’s your free screening schedule
This Hep B advertising onslaught appears to be an especially effective way of marking the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Three cheers.
For entire article, click here
Monday, May 24, 2010
PRESSS RELEASE: San Francisco Hep B Free Announces New Partnership with SavantMD.com
Online Videos Educate Asian Americans About Hepatitis B
Download PDF
SAN FRANCISCO (May 24, 2010) – The San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign is proud to announce a new partnership with SavantMD.com, a health and wellness website that features a multicultural team of local medical professionals offering timely health and wellness advice through videos, podcasts, and blogs.
In conjunction with May being "Hepatitis Awareness Month", SavantMD.com will feature doctor and patient videos about hepatitis B, a potentially deadly virus which causes 80% of all liver cancer and is especially prevalent among Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). 1 in 10 APIs is chronically infected with hepatitis B versus 1 in 1,000 in the general population, and yet there are no symptoms until it’s almost too late.
The videos highlight the need to get tested and vaccinated as well as the treatment options available for those who test positive. In addition to the special section featured on SavantMD.com, the videos will also run on the SFhepBfree.org and AsianWeek.com websites throughout May. The AsianWeek Foundation serves the Asian/Pacific Islander American community and is one of the founding members of SF Hep B Free.
"At least half of our medical professionals are Asian and Pacific Islanders, making this partnership a perfect match," stated Brian Colbert, CEO and cofounder of SavantMD.com. "Because we are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, home to one of the largest API communities in the U.S., SavantMD.com is able to provide local viewers with the knowledge, experience, and Internet savvy to help overcome this disease."
"Health issues like hepatitis B are of immediate concern to Asian communities," said Angela Pang, Community Editor for AsianWeek. "SavantMD addresses these and other health issues in a straightforward and helpful way."
About San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign
SFhepBfree.org
San Francisco Hep B Free (SFHBF) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, healthcare organizations, community groups, and businesses to make San Francisco the first city in the nation to be free of hepatitis B. The largest, most intensive healthcare campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., SFHBF has become a model for the nation. The Steering Committee is comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, AsianWeek Foundation, and the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University.
About SavantMD.com
SavantMD.com
SavantMD.com is a health and wellness company whose Internet site features a multicultural team of local medical professionals offering timely health and wellness advice through videos, podcasts, and blogs. Dr. Mark Savant is cofounder of SavantMD.com, a popular (five-stars on Yelp and accolades from his medical peers) internist with a practice in San Francisco, where he is head of a local Asian physicians’ network. Cofounder and CEO of SavantMD.com is Brian Colbert, a seasoned social media entrepreneur.
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Download PDF
SAN FRANCISCO (May 24, 2010) – The San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign is proud to announce a new partnership with SavantMD.com, a health and wellness website that features a multicultural team of local medical professionals offering timely health and wellness advice through videos, podcasts, and blogs.
In conjunction with May being "Hepatitis Awareness Month", SavantMD.com will feature doctor and patient videos about hepatitis B, a potentially deadly virus which causes 80% of all liver cancer and is especially prevalent among Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). 1 in 10 APIs is chronically infected with hepatitis B versus 1 in 1,000 in the general population, and yet there are no symptoms until it’s almost too late.
The videos highlight the need to get tested and vaccinated as well as the treatment options available for those who test positive. In addition to the special section featured on SavantMD.com, the videos will also run on the SFhepBfree.org and AsianWeek.com websites throughout May. The AsianWeek Foundation serves the Asian/Pacific Islander American community and is one of the founding members of SF Hep B Free.
"At least half of our medical professionals are Asian and Pacific Islanders, making this partnership a perfect match," stated Brian Colbert, CEO and cofounder of SavantMD.com. "Because we are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, home to one of the largest API communities in the U.S., SavantMD.com is able to provide local viewers with the knowledge, experience, and Internet savvy to help overcome this disease."
"Health issues like hepatitis B are of immediate concern to Asian communities," said Angela Pang, Community Editor for AsianWeek. "SavantMD addresses these and other health issues in a straightforward and helpful way."
About San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign
SFhepBfree.org
San Francisco Hep B Free (SFHBF) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, healthcare organizations, community groups, and businesses to make San Francisco the first city in the nation to be free of hepatitis B. The largest, most intensive healthcare campaign for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., SFHBF has become a model for the nation. The Steering Committee is comprised of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, AsianWeek Foundation, and the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University.
About SavantMD.com
SavantMD.com
SavantMD.com is a health and wellness company whose Internet site features a multicultural team of local medical professionals offering timely health and wellness advice through videos, podcasts, and blogs. Dr. Mark Savant is cofounder of SavantMD.com, a popular (five-stars on Yelp and accolades from his medical peers) internist with a practice in San Francisco, where he is head of a local Asian physicians’ network. Cofounder and CEO of SavantMD.com is Brian Colbert, a seasoned social media entrepreneur.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Get Screened: World Hepatitis Day
May 19, 2010 | Features, Happenings, Lifestyle, Mind & Body
We told you about the need to get screened for Hepatitis B in our post about San Francisco Hep B Free’s newest ad campaign, "Which One Deserves to Die?".
SF Hep B Free's newest campaign against hepatitis B.
Well, today is World Hepatitis Day. So get yourself and your loved ones screened today. It’s such a preventable death. Do it now.
Go to San Francisco Hep B Free for a list places where you can get free screening.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
We told you about the need to get screened for Hepatitis B in our post about San Francisco Hep B Free’s newest ad campaign, "Which One Deserves to Die?".
SF Hep B Free's newest campaign against hepatitis B.
Well, today is World Hepatitis Day. So get yourself and your loved ones screened today. It’s such a preventable death. Do it now.
Go to San Francisco Hep B Free for a list places where you can get free screening.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fighting to eliminate hepatitis
By: Mike Aldax | May 13, 2010
Face of the fight: It took nearly 20 years after Assemblywoman Fiona Ma discovered she had hepatitis B before she took action. (Examiner file photo)Fiona Ma doesn’t mind being the poster child for a campaign against an infectious disease — if it means saving lives, and even if it means making Asian communities in The City slightly uncomfortable.
Ma, a San Francisco Democratic assemblywoman, learned she had hepatitis B at age 22 while trying to donate blood. She began speaking out against the disease several years ago and is now backing an edgy new advertising campaign that has raised eyebrows in the Asian community.
One advertisement released this month by the nonprofit San Francisco Hep B Free features an image of 10 beauty queens lined up side-by-side, with the aggressive question at the bottom: “Which one deserves to die?”
The tone of the ad – part of the second phase of a campaign that began three years ago to eradicate the virus – is a far cry from the group’s previous slogan, "B a Hero."
The time for softball pitches is over, Ma said.
"Nobody wants to talk about illness or depression or problem gambling," said Ma of the Chinese community. "Once you talk about it, it brings pity and shame."
Ignoring that hepatitis B has become a rampant public health hazard in The City is not going to make the killer disease go away, she said.
The virus, which attacks the liver, has made San Francisco the liver cancer capital of the United States. The Asian Liver Center at Stanford University estimates that 1 in 10 residents of Asian or Pacific Islander descent has the disease.
One in four people will die prematurely due to liver failure or cancer if they are not monitored and treated. The disease is a silent killer, often posing no symptoms until it is too late, and it can be transmitted from mother-to-child, from wound-to-wound contact or by sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, experts said.
"It is seven times more contagious than HIV," said Dr. Lisa Tang, a Kaiser Permanente practitioner. "But the disease can be prevented and can be treated."
In fact, a hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982. The vaccine — a three-shot series given over six months — is "so effective at preventing" the disease that it is called "the first anti-cancer vaccine by the World Health Organization," the Asian Liver Center said.
"We could have wiped out 80 percent of liver cancer 30 years ago," said Ted Fang, co-founder of San Francisco Hep B Free.
Also, those who catch the virus early can live regular lives, he said.
"We have the nexus of drugs to treat this," Fang said.
That’s why there’s no reason not to break down the walls of cultural sensitivity on the topic of hepatitis B and get people tested, Ma said.
The assemblywoman, who inherited the virus from her mother, said she has no symptoms and pays regular visits to the doctor.
She said her 70-year-old mother had a piece of her liver removed last year due to the disease. Her brother, who is two years younger, is also a hepatitis B carrier. And her sister, who is 28 years old, is not a carrier because she was vaccinated at an early age, Ma said.
Ma said she can relate to Asian community members who neglect to get tested. She said it took her nearly 20 years after learning that she had hepatitis B before she did anything about it.
"I didn’t know [about the dangers]," she said. "I'd say, 'I'm just a carrier. I’m fine.’"
At a news conference several years ago, a top Stanford physician warned Ma that her condition was chronic.
"That’s where the panic started," Ma said.
That’s when Ma decided to become active about her disease — and active about informing others.
"I thought, 'If I didn’t know, I’m sure others don’t know,' so that’s when I started on the campaign to be kind of the poster child," Ma said. "it’s worked. A lot of people have stopped me on the street and thanked me because they got it checked."
Campaign gets edgy to spread message
A provocative advertising campaign launched by the nonprofit San Francisco Hep B Free irked some in the Asian community before it was even released.
DAE Advertising, a San Francisco Asian-American advertising agency, came up with the slogan, "Which one deserves to die?" that began appearing in ads this month to promote awareness about hepatitis B.
DAE said it recruited nonpaid members from the community to appear in the ads. One ad includes 10 beauty queens, another 10 members of a basketball team and yet another 10 members of a family.
Health officials estimate 1 in 10 residents of Asian or Pacific Islander descent are infected with the potentially deadly hepatitis B, which can destroy the liver.
The goal of the ads is to convince members of the Asian community — who aren’t fond of discussing illness openly — to get tested for the disease.
Some volunteers scheduled to appear in the ads pulled out of the project due to the provocative campaign slogan, including a few beauty queens, said Sunny Teo, DAE’s executive creative director.
"It certainly wasn’t easy to get volunteers," Teo said.
But the campaign wasn’t just about shocking the Asian community into getting tested for hepatitis B, though Teo admits, "We are competing with all these other diseases out there."
The idea had to create awareness about a silent killer that can creep up on perfectly healthy people, while still promoting the positive aspects of a beautiful community, he said.
"When you really read into it, the message is very positive," said Vicky Wong, president and CEO of DAE. "What it’s saying is, ‘Nobody deserves to die.’"
— Mike Aldax
Hepatitis A, B and C
Hepatitis refers to any disease resulting in inflammation of the liver, regardless of how that disease is contracted.
Hepatitis A is an acute infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Infection can be prevented by receiving the hepatitis A vaccine. Death rate: Up to five deaths per 1,000 cases
Hepatitis B can be both an acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) infection. It is transmitted through contaminated blood. Infection can be prevented by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C can be both an acute and chronic infection. It is transmitted through contaminated blood. No effective vaccine is available at this time.
Hepatitis B
How it can be transmitted:
* Mother to child
* Wound-to-wound contact
* Sharing razors or toothbrushes
* Reusing needles for tattoos, piercings or injecting drugs
* Reusing medical needles or syringes
* Unprotected sex with an infected person
How it is not transmitted:
* Sharing food or water
* Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses
* Casual contact
* Coughing or sneezing
* Hugging or kissing
* Breastfeeding
Source: San Francisco Hep B Free and San Francisco Department of Public Health
Hepatitis B numbers
1.25 million Americans who are chronically infected
60,000 Americans who become infected annually
3,000 to 5,000 People who die annually due to cirrhosis or liver cancer caused by hepatitis B
1 in 10 Asian and Pacific Islanders living with chronic (lifelong) hepatitis B
1 in 4 People with chronic hepatitis B who will die from liver cancer or liver failure without appropriate monitoring or treatment
2 in 3 Sufferers who don’t know they are infected because there are no symptoms
Source: San Francisco Hep B Free and San Francisco Department of Public Health
Read more at the San Francisco Examiner.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Pelosi Remarks at 2010 Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 | House Speaker website
Download PDF
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks at the 2010 annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Summit hosted by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the Congressional Democratic Leadership this morning in the Capitol Visitor Center. The theme for this year’s summit is "Strengthening our Economy: Job Creation in AAPI Communities." Below are the Speaker’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
"We have come together today during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - an opportunity to honor the extraordinary contributions made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to our culture, economy, and history.
"Overcoming decades of prejudice and discrimination, those from Asia and the Pacific Islands have become essential threads in the fabric of American society. And in San Francisco, we see the contributions to our heritage firsthand.
"In medicine, law, and business, the AAPI community demonstrates the value of hard work and responsibility. As soldiers and public servants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have an unyielding commitment to our country, our diverse heritage, and our common future.
"The AAPI community faces the same challenges as all Americans: finding a steady job, gaining a strong education for our children, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to realize their American dream.
"In this Congress, our number one priority remains creating good-paying jobs for every American. And for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, fulfilling that promise means focusing on small businesses.
"The success of AAPI business owners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit at the center of our economic strength: more than 1.1 million AAPI-owned businesses in the U.S., earning more than $330 billion per year and employing more than 2.2 million workers.
"To empower these business owners and ensure their stability and growth, we passed:
* The Recovery Act, which has:
o Created up to 2.8 million jobs so far,
o Jumpstarted lending to small businesses
o Ensured that minority-and women-owned businesses have the opportunity to win their fair share of contracts funded by the bill
* The HIRE Act - providing tax cuts for small businesses to hire workers
* Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act - small business tax relief.
"We must do more. Regardless of background, all Americans deserve a shot at a good job and a decent wage. Democrats will keep promoting an agenda focused on jobs for the middle class and the growth of our small businesses - the engines of our economic prosperity.
"Few achievements will benefit AAPI families and businesses more than comprehensive health insurance reform.
"Without reform, more than 17 percent of Asian Americans would continue to go without health coverage, and more than half would delay or forgo routine care due to high costs.
"With reform in place, all communities will see a difference: improving access to affordable care; helping end health disparities; keeping families healthy; giving small businesses a tax credit up to 35 percent of premiums this year; and ensuring the success of the fight for a country free of such public health concerns as Hepatitis B, which affects the AAPI community at a higher rate than other groups.
"The fight for equality and opportunity will go on - for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and for every American. In Congress, we will continue to work for better schools to train the next generation of workers and leaders; a fairer, more compassionate, more just immigration system; greater diversity in the workplace - starting right here on Capitol Hill, where we were proud to kick off an initiative to increase House diversity and opportunities for diverse candidates at all staff levels.
"As a representative of a district with a large AAPI population, I have always said that the beauty is in the mix, and I salute the work of CAPAC to make progress on behalf of all Americans."
# # #
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 | House Speaker website
Download PDF
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks at the 2010 annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Summit hosted by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the Congressional Democratic Leadership this morning in the Capitol Visitor Center. The theme for this year’s summit is "Strengthening our Economy: Job Creation in AAPI Communities." Below are the Speaker’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
"We have come together today during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - an opportunity to honor the extraordinary contributions made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to our culture, economy, and history.
"Overcoming decades of prejudice and discrimination, those from Asia and the Pacific Islands have become essential threads in the fabric of American society. And in San Francisco, we see the contributions to our heritage firsthand.
"In medicine, law, and business, the AAPI community demonstrates the value of hard work and responsibility. As soldiers and public servants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have an unyielding commitment to our country, our diverse heritage, and our common future.
"The AAPI community faces the same challenges as all Americans: finding a steady job, gaining a strong education for our children, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to realize their American dream.
"In this Congress, our number one priority remains creating good-paying jobs for every American. And for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, fulfilling that promise means focusing on small businesses.
"The success of AAPI business owners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit at the center of our economic strength: more than 1.1 million AAPI-owned businesses in the U.S., earning more than $330 billion per year and employing more than 2.2 million workers.
"To empower these business owners and ensure their stability and growth, we passed:
* The Recovery Act, which has:
o Created up to 2.8 million jobs so far,
o Jumpstarted lending to small businesses
o Ensured that minority-and women-owned businesses have the opportunity to win their fair share of contracts funded by the bill
* The HIRE Act - providing tax cuts for small businesses to hire workers
* Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act - small business tax relief.
"We must do more. Regardless of background, all Americans deserve a shot at a good job and a decent wage. Democrats will keep promoting an agenda focused on jobs for the middle class and the growth of our small businesses - the engines of our economic prosperity.
"Few achievements will benefit AAPI families and businesses more than comprehensive health insurance reform.
"Without reform, more than 17 percent of Asian Americans would continue to go without health coverage, and more than half would delay or forgo routine care due to high costs.
"With reform in place, all communities will see a difference: improving access to affordable care; helping end health disparities; keeping families healthy; giving small businesses a tax credit up to 35 percent of premiums this year; and ensuring the success of the fight for a country free of such public health concerns as Hepatitis B, which affects the AAPI community at a higher rate than other groups.
"The fight for equality and opportunity will go on - for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and for every American. In Congress, we will continue to work for better schools to train the next generation of workers and leaders; a fairer, more compassionate, more just immigration system; greater diversity in the workplace - starting right here on Capitol Hill, where we were proud to kick off an initiative to increase House diversity and opportunities for diverse candidates at all staff levels.
"As a representative of a district with a large AAPI population, I have always said that the beauty is in the mix, and I salute the work of CAPAC to make progress on behalf of all Americans."
# # #
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
New Hep B Campaign Asks: Which One Deserves to Die?
By John Lin | 8Asians.com | Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Recently, the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free Campaign launched a new controversial and in-your-face print, billboard and television advertising campaign in the Bay Area called "Which One Deserves to Die." San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the United States due to the fact that 1 in 10 Asian Americans, most unbeknown to them, are infected with "Hep B" – a leading cause of that cancer. Asians make up over 30% of San Franciscans.
The campaign is being published in several languages including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese targeting English-speaking doctors outside the Asian community who might not be aware of the prevalence of the disease amongst Asians.
We’ve blogged about Hepatitis B in the past and continue to do so since this disease affects Asian Americans disproportionately; Hep B is preventable, treatable and early treatment can save lives. And to my surprise, Hep B is not something that is screened normally when you donate blood. So the next time you have a checkup and blood work done, ask your doctor to check for Hep B.
And this is why you fill out the census, folks: so that such health awareness programs targeted to such specific demographics can get the much needed and appropriate federal aid that they deserve.
Recently, the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free Campaign launched a new controversial and in-your-face print, billboard and television advertising campaign in the Bay Area called "Which One Deserves to Die." San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the United States due to the fact that 1 in 10 Asian Americans, most unbeknown to them, are infected with "Hep B" – a leading cause of that cancer. Asians make up over 30% of San Franciscans.
The campaign is being published in several languages including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese targeting English-speaking doctors outside the Asian community who might not be aware of the prevalence of the disease amongst Asians.
We’ve blogged about Hepatitis B in the past and continue to do so since this disease affects Asian Americans disproportionately; Hep B is preventable, treatable and early treatment can save lives. And to my surprise, Hep B is not something that is screened normally when you donate blood. So the next time you have a checkup and blood work done, ask your doctor to check for Hep B.
And this is why you fill out the census, folks: so that such health awareness programs targeted to such specific demographics can get the much needed and appropriate federal aid that they deserve.
The campaign to make San Francisco hepatitis B free
May 11, 2:02 | SF Sexual Health Examiner | Jennifer Gunter
May is hepatitis B awareness month - more than 400 million people worldwide are infected with this virus. Hepatitis B can be acquired by sexual contact (hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV), by sharing needles, and at birth from a mother to her baby. Infections with hepatitis B may cause a flu-like illness and some people will develop jaundice (a yellow color of the skin) due to liver inflammation. The liver typically repairs itself within a month or two, although some people will develop potentially fatal liver failure. For most people, however, hepatitis B is a silent infection. While you may feel well, years of this behind the scenes damage exacts a toll from the liver: almost 80% of liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B. Hepatitis B also causes chronic liver damage and liver failure.
Hepatitis B is a greater health problem in the Bay Area compared with other parts of the country due to the high prevalence of infection in the Asian community: 1 in 10 Asian Americans is infected with hepatitis B compared with 1 in 1,000 for the general population. Many Asians and Pacific Islanders are infected at birth, as hepatitis B infection is endemic in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Infection at birth caries the greatest risk of liver cancer. Consequently, San Francisco has the highest rate of hepatitis B induced liver cancer in the United States.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a citywide campaign to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city in the United States. The campaign has several approaches:
* Get doctors to take a pledge to test those people at risk for hepatitis.
* Raise awareness among the general public about hepatitis B and the need for testing. Some of the higher risk groups include the following: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, people with multiple sexual partners, people with a history of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnant women, IV drug users, and men who have sex with men. Because hepatitis B is so infectious, non-sexual household contact should also be tested.
* Offer free testing. Find a testing site at www.sfhepbfree.org or call 1-888-311-3331. Those who test positive can take precautions to protect their household and sexual contacts.
* Encourage vaccination. The three shot hepatitis B series offers protection from hepatitis B for life. If every one were vaccinated, hepatitis B could be eradicated.
For more info: check out www.sfhepbfree.org
May is hepatitis B awareness month - more than 400 million people worldwide are infected with this virus. Hepatitis B can be acquired by sexual contact (hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV), by sharing needles, and at birth from a mother to her baby. Infections with hepatitis B may cause a flu-like illness and some people will develop jaundice (a yellow color of the skin) due to liver inflammation. The liver typically repairs itself within a month or two, although some people will develop potentially fatal liver failure. For most people, however, hepatitis B is a silent infection. While you may feel well, years of this behind the scenes damage exacts a toll from the liver: almost 80% of liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B. Hepatitis B also causes chronic liver damage and liver failure.Hepatitis B is a greater health problem in the Bay Area compared with other parts of the country due to the high prevalence of infection in the Asian community: 1 in 10 Asian Americans is infected with hepatitis B compared with 1 in 1,000 for the general population. Many Asians and Pacific Islanders are infected at birth, as hepatitis B infection is endemic in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Infection at birth caries the greatest risk of liver cancer. Consequently, San Francisco has the highest rate of hepatitis B induced liver cancer in the United States.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a citywide campaign to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city in the United States. The campaign has several approaches:
* Get doctors to take a pledge to test those people at risk for hepatitis.
* Raise awareness among the general public about hepatitis B and the need for testing. Some of the higher risk groups include the following: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, people with multiple sexual partners, people with a history of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnant women, IV drug users, and men who have sex with men. Because hepatitis B is so infectious, non-sexual household contact should also be tested.
* Offer free testing. Find a testing site at www.sfhepbfree.org or call 1-888-311-3331. Those who test positive can take precautions to protect their household and sexual contacts.
* Encourage vaccination. The three shot hepatitis B series offers protection from hepatitis B for life. If every one were vaccinated, hepatitis B could be eradicated.
For more info: check out www.sfhepbfree.org
Doctor Radio, featuring Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Dr. John Ward
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma was interviewed on Sirius Satellite Radio. The program, "Doctor Radio" featured Ma and and Dr. John Ward, Director of the Division of Viral Hepatitis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The program aired from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT on SIRIUS channel 114 and XM Radio 119.
The program aired from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT on SIRIUS channel 114 and XM Radio 119.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Hep B Free campaign: 'No one deserves to die'
Published by Philippine News - May 8, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO -- For the 15th anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, San Francisco Hep B Free organization launched the "Which One Deserves To Die?" ad campaign to remind the public about the dangers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its link to liver cancer.
The provocative ad campaign features more than 60 people from the Bay Area’s Asian American community in print ads and public service announcements. All of the ads alert the Asian American community that one in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with Hepatitis B compared to 1 to 1,000 in the general population.
One of the print ads designed by DAE Advertising features 10 pageant beauties decked out in their fancy earrings and gowns. And written in bold letters at the bottom of the photograph: "Which One Deserves to Die?"
"Right now we are taking a different approach. A lot more serious approach," said Janet Cruz, Miss United Nations/Philippines International 2009 and one of the models in the ad campaign. "The real message is that no one deserves to die," she said.
Hepatitis B is an illness caused by an infection with the HBV. Infection with the virus can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. About 80 percent of liver cancer around the world is caused by HBV infection.
HBV can be transmitted by birth, making contact with infected blood, or by having unprotected sex.HBV is silently transmitted and has a silent progression. Many people with chronic HBV express no symptoms and can feel perfectly healthy. They may even display normal blood test for liver function.
Once the symptoms appear, they often are exhibited at the end stages of disease where treatment options are limited or ineffective.
Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. "Everyone should get test, screened and vaccinated and be aware of their healthcare situation," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, who has been actively supporting the SF Hep B Free organization. "We are really encouraging people to take control of their health, be a hero, get screened, and encourage all your friends and family to do the same."
"We believe with all the awareness and education efforts we can eradicate Hepatitis B, similar to small pox," Ma said. "It’s going to take a lot of effort." Aristotle Garcia, one of the Filipino models for the Tagalog ad campaign, thinks it’s important for Filipinos to get tested and be aware of the disease.
Hepatitis B is the fifth leading cause of death amongst Filipino men.
"It is out there, it does affect us, and definitely get tested so you are not one of those that are infected and that have to suffer from this unfortunate disease," Garcia said in regards to Filipinos in the community who know nothing about Hepatitis B.
SF Hep B Free is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between the city government, private healthcare community organizations, and businesses.
The campaign's goals are to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B, promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community and facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
SAN FRANCISCO -- For the 15th anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, San Francisco Hep B Free organization launched the "Which One Deserves To Die?" ad campaign to remind the public about the dangers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its link to liver cancer.
The provocative ad campaign features more than 60 people from the Bay Area’s Asian American community in print ads and public service announcements. All of the ads alert the Asian American community that one in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with Hepatitis B compared to 1 to 1,000 in the general population.
One of the print ads designed by DAE Advertising features 10 pageant beauties decked out in their fancy earrings and gowns. And written in bold letters at the bottom of the photograph: "Which One Deserves to Die?"
"Right now we are taking a different approach. A lot more serious approach," said Janet Cruz, Miss United Nations/Philippines International 2009 and one of the models in the ad campaign. "The real message is that no one deserves to die," she said.
Hepatitis B is an illness caused by an infection with the HBV. Infection with the virus can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. About 80 percent of liver cancer around the world is caused by HBV infection.
HBV can be transmitted by birth, making contact with infected blood, or by having unprotected sex.HBV is silently transmitted and has a silent progression. Many people with chronic HBV express no symptoms and can feel perfectly healthy. They may even display normal blood test for liver function.
Once the symptoms appear, they often are exhibited at the end stages of disease where treatment options are limited or ineffective.
Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. "Everyone should get test, screened and vaccinated and be aware of their healthcare situation," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, who has been actively supporting the SF Hep B Free organization. "We are really encouraging people to take control of their health, be a hero, get screened, and encourage all your friends and family to do the same."
"We believe with all the awareness and education efforts we can eradicate Hepatitis B, similar to small pox," Ma said. "It’s going to take a lot of effort." Aristotle Garcia, one of the Filipino models for the Tagalog ad campaign, thinks it’s important for Filipinos to get tested and be aware of the disease.
Hepatitis B is the fifth leading cause of death amongst Filipino men.
"It is out there, it does affect us, and definitely get tested so you are not one of those that are infected and that have to suffer from this unfortunate disease," Garcia said in regards to Filipinos in the community who know nothing about Hepatitis B.
SF Hep B Free is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between the city government, private healthcare community organizations, and businesses.
The campaign's goals are to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B, promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community and facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Let’s Stop This Disease Before It’s Too Late
Published by Origins of American Culture - May 8, 2010
A provocative advertising campaign stirred up talk amongst the city of San Francisco. The image was of 10 beautiful Asian girls dressed in prom dresses with the bold statement “Which one deserves to die?” This advertisement put on by San Francisco Hep B Free states that 1 in 10 Asian Americans are infected with hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis B is spread through blood or bodily fluids. By getting a simple blood test, hepatitis B can be treated and even prevented. Fiona Ma, a Chinese-American state assemblywoman from San Francisco says, “No one wants to talk about it. But we know that people care about their families and their friends. And maybe if they know it can affect them, then maybe they’ll talk about it.” Ms. Ma contracted hepatitis B from her mother.
Hepatitis B is a modern day disease that has infected so many people throughout the United States. In the story ‘Plague of Ants’, Fray Bartolome de las Casas, the defender of the Indians, talks about another epidemic. In 1518, the Indians suffered from a great spread of smallpox. They were accustomed to washing themselves in the rivers every chance they got. Through this, the spread of the smallpox was going at a rapid rate and was locked inside their bodies. From lack of food, excessive labor, nakedness, and sleeping on the ground, the smallpox was the last thing the Indians’ bodies could handle and all died within a short period of time.
At this time in American history, there was no knowledge of medicine to help conquer the disease. Although the conditions of hepatitis B do not manifest until it’s really too late, the smallpox that the Indians endured burnt like fire in their bodies. Symptoms include raised pink raised pink rashes that turn into sores, severe headache, backache, excessive bleeding, and vomiting. The Spaniards were quick to notice that the Indians were dying off and in turn slowly stopped having them work out in the mines, but this was little to no help since this realization occurred so late.
With the education of doctors today and the knowledge of the diseases, smallpox and hepatitis B can be prevented. Although the vaccine for smallpox has not been given in the U.S. since 1972 when the disease was wiped out, the vaccine is given within 1-4 days of exposure which may prevent the illness altogether or make the symptoms less severe. Once the symptoms have started, the treatment is very limited. Hepatitis B is still infecting millions all across the world and a simple blood test will help bring knowledge to its carriers and can be prevented. Is one simple blood test stopping you from living?
References
A provocative advertising campaign stirred up talk amongst the city of San Francisco. The image was of 10 beautiful Asian girls dressed in prom dresses with the bold statement “Which one deserves to die?” This advertisement put on by San Francisco Hep B Free states that 1 in 10 Asian Americans are infected with hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis B is spread through blood or bodily fluids. By getting a simple blood test, hepatitis B can be treated and even prevented. Fiona Ma, a Chinese-American state assemblywoman from San Francisco says, “No one wants to talk about it. But we know that people care about their families and their friends. And maybe if they know it can affect them, then maybe they’ll talk about it.” Ms. Ma contracted hepatitis B from her mother.
Hepatitis B is a modern day disease that has infected so many people throughout the United States. In the story ‘Plague of Ants’, Fray Bartolome de las Casas, the defender of the Indians, talks about another epidemic. In 1518, the Indians suffered from a great spread of smallpox. They were accustomed to washing themselves in the rivers every chance they got. Through this, the spread of the smallpox was going at a rapid rate and was locked inside their bodies. From lack of food, excessive labor, nakedness, and sleeping on the ground, the smallpox was the last thing the Indians’ bodies could handle and all died within a short period of time.
At this time in American history, there was no knowledge of medicine to help conquer the disease. Although the conditions of hepatitis B do not manifest until it’s really too late, the smallpox that the Indians endured burnt like fire in their bodies. Symptoms include raised pink raised pink rashes that turn into sores, severe headache, backache, excessive bleeding, and vomiting. The Spaniards were quick to notice that the Indians were dying off and in turn slowly stopped having them work out in the mines, but this was little to no help since this realization occurred so late.
With the education of doctors today and the knowledge of the diseases, smallpox and hepatitis B can be prevented. Although the vaccine for smallpox has not been given in the U.S. since 1972 when the disease was wiped out, the vaccine is given within 1-4 days of exposure which may prevent the illness altogether or make the symptoms less severe. Once the symptoms have started, the treatment is very limited. Hepatitis B is still infecting millions all across the world and a simple blood test will help bring knowledge to its carriers and can be prevented. Is one simple blood test stopping you from living?
References
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Disparities, Health, National Hep B Free Ad asks “Which One Deserves To Die?”
Published by Asian American Press - May 6, 2010
From left to right: Larry Kitagawa, Actor & Community Ambassador, San Francisco Hep B Free, Dr. Edward Chow, Executive Director, Chinese Community Health Care Association & Vice President, San Francisco Health Commission, Fiona Ma, California State Assemblywoman, 12th District, Sunny Teo, Executive Creative Director, DAE Advertising, Ted Fang, Director, Asian Week Foundation & Committee Member, San Francisco Hep B Free, Elaine Fong, Community Ambassador, San Francisco Hep B Free. (Photo by Frank Jang)
Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.
For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch “Which One Deserves To Die?” a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide.
The ad campaign was produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, a leading Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco. These advertisements are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area’s Asian American community. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will receive wide exposure on Comcast cable, broadcast and Asian television stations.
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a “silent killer.” Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination.
“As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature’s leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B,” said Ma. “The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans.”
“Which One Deserves to Die?” print ads and PSAs at can be viewed at: http://hepbads2010.blogspot.com/
San Francisco Hep B Free (sfhepbfree.org) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing. It advocates vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; and promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community. It also facilitates access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
From left to right: Larry Kitagawa, Actor & Community Ambassador, San Francisco Hep B Free, Dr. Edward Chow, Executive Director, Chinese Community Health Care Association & Vice President, San Francisco Health Commission, Fiona Ma, California State Assemblywoman, 12th District, Sunny Teo, Executive Creative Director, DAE Advertising, Ted Fang, Director, Asian Week Foundation & Committee Member, San Francisco Hep B Free, Elaine Fong, Community Ambassador, San Francisco Hep B Free. (Photo by Frank Jang)
Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B. San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide.
For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, SF Hep B Free will launch “Which One Deserves To Die?” a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide.
The ad campaign was produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, a leading Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco. These advertisements are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area’s Asian American community. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will receive wide exposure on Comcast cable, broadcast and Asian television stations.
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B, known in the health community as a “silent killer.” Her experience propelled her to work with San Francisco Hep B Free, and since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma has authored groundbreaking legislation in California for residents to get screened and vaccinated. She is working on health care policy reform and a bill calling for preventative care and vaccination.
“As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature’s leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B,” said Ma. “The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans.”
“Which One Deserves to Die?” print ads and PSAs at can be viewed at: http://hepbads2010.blogspot.com/
San Francisco Hep B Free (sfhepbfree.org) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing. It advocates vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; and promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community. It also facilitates access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
San Francisco Public Health Campaign Promotes Hepatitis B Vaccination, Testing In Asian Communities
Published by Medical News Today - May 5, 2010
A "provocative" print and television advertising campaign promoting hepatitis B vaccinations was launched this week in San Francisco, where as many as one in 10 members of the city's Asian communities are infected with the virus, the New York Times reports. In the general population, about one in 1,000 people are infected with hepatitis B, which attacks the liver and can be spread through blood and other bodily fluids. Edward Chow, vice president of the city's Health Commission, said people with hepatitis B disease often display few symptoms. About 25% of patients develop serious ailments, such as liver failure, if left untreated.
The campaign was created by San Francisco Hep B Free, a group that hopes to eradicate the disease through citywide vaccination. One ad shows 10 beauty contestants, with the question, "Which one deserves to die?" The other ads include the same question with photos of Asian community members who volunteered to pose as families, a basketball team, office workers and doctors. The ads urge people to get a "simple blood test" and note that the disease "can be treated, even prevented." The campaign is published in several languages -- including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese -- and also will target English-speaking doctors who might not be aware of the disease's prevalence in the Asian community.
The campaign is already attracting controversy, the Times reports. Vicky Wong -- president and CEO of DAE, the firm that developed the ads -- said some volunteers for the ads left the photo session because they were concerned about the campaign's approach. Wong said, "There were so many debates as to whether" the campaign went too far, but "there's a lot of people who loved it." According to the Times, a "more gentle" Hep B Free campaign several years ago used the tagline "B A Hero," which organizers said was not a strong enough message. Wong said, "Saying 'Life is beautiful; get tested,' doesn't work."
According to Chinese-American community leaders, there is a stigma in Asian communities surrounding hepatitis B, which is endemic in much of Asia. Ted Fang, a committee member with Hep B Free, said the high rate of infection among Asians is particularly frustrating because the hepatitis B vaccine has existed for nearly three decades. He said, "We have the medical tools, so long as doctors will test their patients and monitor them," adding, "We can knock out this disease" (McKinley, New York Times, 5/2).
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
A "provocative" print and television advertising campaign promoting hepatitis B vaccinations was launched this week in San Francisco, where as many as one in 10 members of the city's Asian communities are infected with the virus, the New York Times reports. In the general population, about one in 1,000 people are infected with hepatitis B, which attacks the liver and can be spread through blood and other bodily fluids. Edward Chow, vice president of the city's Health Commission, said people with hepatitis B disease often display few symptoms. About 25% of patients develop serious ailments, such as liver failure, if left untreated.
The campaign was created by San Francisco Hep B Free, a group that hopes to eradicate the disease through citywide vaccination. One ad shows 10 beauty contestants, with the question, "Which one deserves to die?" The other ads include the same question with photos of Asian community members who volunteered to pose as families, a basketball team, office workers and doctors. The ads urge people to get a "simple blood test" and note that the disease "can be treated, even prevented." The campaign is published in several languages -- including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese -- and also will target English-speaking doctors who might not be aware of the disease's prevalence in the Asian community.
The campaign is already attracting controversy, the Times reports. Vicky Wong -- president and CEO of DAE, the firm that developed the ads -- said some volunteers for the ads left the photo session because they were concerned about the campaign's approach. Wong said, "There were so many debates as to whether" the campaign went too far, but "there's a lot of people who loved it." According to the Times, a "more gentle" Hep B Free campaign several years ago used the tagline "B A Hero," which organizers said was not a strong enough message. Wong said, "Saying 'Life is beautiful; get tested,' doesn't work."
According to Chinese-American community leaders, there is a stigma in Asian communities surrounding hepatitis B, which is endemic in much of Asia. Ted Fang, a committee member with Hep B Free, said the high rate of infection among Asians is particularly frustrating because the hepatitis B vaccine has existed for nearly three decades. He said, "We have the medical tools, so long as doctors will test their patients and monitor them," adding, "We can knock out this disease" (McKinley, New York Times, 5/2).
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Asian Americans Have the Highest Rate of Liver Cancer in the U.S.
Published by 101Suite.com
May 4, 2010 | Miki Garcia
Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the U.S. as Asian Americans make up more than 30 percent of the local population. Hepatitis B is easily preventable through a hepatitis B blood test and vaccine.
What is Hepatitis B?
According to San Francisco Hep B Free, hepatitis B is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection with HBV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Eighty percent of liver cancer worldwide is caused by HBV infection. It is 100 times more infectious than HIV. Because of its infectiousness, it can survive outside of the body for up to seven days and HBV can be spread through shared razors and toothbrushes that have contaminated blood on them.
Hepatitis B Facts - Hepatitis B Liver Cancer
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis B is:
As the diagnosis of hepatitis B is easily missed, the only way to diagnose for hepatitis B infection is through a simple and inexpensive blood test. San Francisco Hep B Free says HBV infection and the liver cancer and liver failure associated with chronic infection are all vaccine preventable with the hepatitis B vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have called the hepatitis B vaccine the first "anti-cancer" vaccine.
About San Francisco Hepatitis B Free
San Francisco Hep B Free – a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private health care community organizations and businesses – is working to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating especially Asian Americans for hepatitis B.
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF), is working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination and taking action with San Francisco Hep B Free and raising public awareness on the impact of the deadly virus.
"As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.
Read more at Suite101: Asian Americans Have the Highest Rate of Liver Cancer in the U.S. http://cancer-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/asian-americans-have-the-highest-rate-of-liver-cancer-in-the-us#ixzz0nP56vLPw
May 4, 2010 | Miki Garcia
Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the U.S. as Asian Americans make up more than 30 percent of the local population. Hepatitis B is easily preventable through a hepatitis B blood test and vaccine.
What is Hepatitis B?
According to San Francisco Hep B Free, hepatitis B is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection with HBV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Eighty percent of liver cancer worldwide is caused by HBV infection. It is 100 times more infectious than HIV. Because of its infectiousness, it can survive outside of the body for up to seven days and HBV can be spread through shared razors and toothbrushes that have contaminated blood on them.
Hepatitis B Facts - Hepatitis B Liver Cancer
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis B is:
- Worldwide, 350 to 400 million people have hepatitis B. Many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.
- There are over 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in the U.S. each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.
- Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.
- Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.
- There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.
As the diagnosis of hepatitis B is easily missed, the only way to diagnose for hepatitis B infection is through a simple and inexpensive blood test. San Francisco Hep B Free says HBV infection and the liver cancer and liver failure associated with chronic infection are all vaccine preventable with the hepatitis B vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have called the hepatitis B vaccine the first "anti-cancer" vaccine.
About San Francisco Hepatitis B Free
San Francisco Hep B Free – a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private health care community organizations and businesses – is working to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by creating awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating especially Asian Americans for hepatitis B.
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF), is working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination and taking action with San Francisco Hep B Free and raising public awareness on the impact of the deadly virus.
"As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.
Read more at Suite101: Asian Americans Have the Highest Rate of Liver Cancer in the U.S. http://cancer-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/asian-americans-have-the-highest-rate-of-liver-cancer-in-the-us#ixzz0nP56vLPw
DAE Behind Groundbreaking Ad Campaign To Help Turn San Francisco Into First Hepatitis B Free City Nationwide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SF Hep B Free Ad Campaign Asks "Which One Deserves To Die"
San Francisco, CA (May 4, 2010) – DAE, an award-winning Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco provided pro bono services for San Francisco Hep B Free, a model collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide. Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B.
Recently featured in the New York Times (May 3, 2010), DAE created a unique and provocative ad campaign called "Which One Deserves To Die?” alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of all liver cancers worldwide. More than one in four patients is likely to develop liver cancer if the infection is left untreated.
“As Asian American ourselves, we have the responsibility to do something to help stop hepatitis B,” said Vicky Wong, President & CEO, DAE. “For us, it’s an honor to take this on because we can save lives by using our talent and expertise. I was in shock when I first heard that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically affected with hepatitis B. This campaign recreated that shock and in turn commands immediate attention.”
“This is the first ever major ad campaign to feature real Asian Americans from all walks of life and that’s why it’s going to have some emotional impact,” said Ted Fang, AsianWeek Foundation and Co-Founder, SF Hep B Free. “These ads speak to the Asian American consumer and equally important, they will motivate the general public to understand that all society must work together to end Hep B disease and liver cancer.”
This ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local mainstream newspapers, billboards, bus transit boards in honor of the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month and Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May. TV commercials were also produced and will receive wide exposure on Comcast cable, broadcast and Asian television stations. The "Which One Deserves To Die?" print ads and PSAs can be viewed at: http://sfhepbfree.org/preview2010
About DAE:
DAE is an EFFIE award-winning, full-service agency specializing in marketing communications to the Asian American market. Founded in 1990, DAE combines mainstream advertising knowledge with a true understanding of East West cultures to deliver breakthrough, strategically focused programs that yield proven results for clients that include Wells Fargo, Southwest Airlines, Asian Art Museum, and Cathay Pacific Airways. DAE celebrates 20th anniversary this year.
About San Francisco Hep B Free:
San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org.
###
Media Contacts:
Grace Niwa, Niwa Public Relations
grace@niwapr.com
(617) 299-9848
SF Hep B Free Ad Campaign Asks "Which One Deserves To Die"
San Francisco, CA (May 4, 2010) – DAE, an award-winning Asian American advertising agency based in San Francisco provided pro bono services for San Francisco Hep B Free, a model collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations whose goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B free city nationwide. Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. It is the gateway for immigrants from Asian countries where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B.
Recently featured in the New York Times (May 3, 2010), DAE created a unique and provocative ad campaign called "Which One Deserves To Die?” alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of all liver cancers worldwide. More than one in four patients is likely to develop liver cancer if the infection is left untreated.
“As Asian American ourselves, we have the responsibility to do something to help stop hepatitis B,” said Vicky Wong, President & CEO, DAE. “For us, it’s an honor to take this on because we can save lives by using our talent and expertise. I was in shock when I first heard that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically affected with hepatitis B. This campaign recreated that shock and in turn commands immediate attention.”
“This is the first ever major ad campaign to feature real Asian Americans from all walks of life and that’s why it’s going to have some emotional impact,” said Ted Fang, AsianWeek Foundation and Co-Founder, SF Hep B Free. “These ads speak to the Asian American consumer and equally important, they will motivate the general public to understand that all society must work together to end Hep B disease and liver cancer.”
This ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local mainstream newspapers, billboards, bus transit boards in honor of the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month and Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May. TV commercials were also produced and will receive wide exposure on Comcast cable, broadcast and Asian television stations. The "Which One Deserves To Die?" print ads and PSAs can be viewed at: http://sfhepbfree.org/preview2010
About DAE:
DAE is an EFFIE award-winning, full-service agency specializing in marketing communications to the Asian American market. Founded in 1990, DAE combines mainstream advertising knowledge with a true understanding of East West cultures to deliver breakthrough, strategically focused programs that yield proven results for clients that include Wells Fargo, Southwest Airlines, Asian Art Museum, and Cathay Pacific Airways. DAE celebrates 20th anniversary this year.
About San Francisco Hep B Free:
San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org.
###
Media Contacts:
Grace Niwa, Niwa Public Relations
grace@niwapr.com
(617) 299-9848
hep b free campaign: which one deserves to die?
Published by Angry Asian Man - May 4, 2010
For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, San Francisco Hep B Free has launched "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide.
The ads, produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community. The campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. They've also produced TV commercials, which will receive exposure on cable, broadcast and Asian television stations.
Consider how many Asians live in San Francisco. Health officials estimate that as many as 1 in 10 residents of Asian descent are infected with the virus, a percentage that contributes to the nation's highest rate of liver cancer. That's crazy. And the craziest part is, hepatitis B can be treated and prevented.
Here's a New York Times article on the new campaign: In Ads, Plea for Asians to Get Tests for Hepatitis. To learn more about the fight against hepatitis B in San Francisco, go to the Hep B Free website here. To see the campaign's print ads and PSAs, go here.
For the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, San Francisco Hep B Free has launched "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the public that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. Hepatitis B infection causes up to 80 percent of liver cancers worldwide.
The ads, produced pro bono by DAE Advertising, are the first major market health campaign in the country to feature more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community. The campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. They've also produced TV commercials, which will receive exposure on cable, broadcast and Asian television stations.
Consider how many Asians live in San Francisco. Health officials estimate that as many as 1 in 10 residents of Asian descent are infected with the virus, a percentage that contributes to the nation's highest rate of liver cancer. That's crazy. And the craziest part is, hepatitis B can be treated and prevented.
Here's a New York Times article on the new campaign: In Ads, Plea for Asians to Get Tests for Hepatitis. To learn more about the fight against hepatitis B in San Francisco, go to the Hep B Free website here. To see the campaign's print ads and PSAs, go here.
May 2010 National Hepatitis B Awareness Month - San Francisco Hep B Free launches new campaign
Published by the SF Examiner - May 4, 2010
SF Ethnic Communities | Miki Garcia
The San Francisco Hep B Free initiative is launching "Which One Deserves To Die?" an ad campaign alerting the Asian American community as May 2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis B Awareness Month.
One in ten Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B – the leading cause of liver cancer -- compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. According to the National Cancer Institute, San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation.
Along with members of her family, California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B. Since joining the campaign, she helped launch a groundbreaking screening and vaccination initiative in San Francisco and is currently working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," she said.
San Francisco Hep B Free, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses, is trying to make the San Francisco Bay Area hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more information, visit www.sfhepbfree.org.
SF Ethnic Communities | Miki Garcia
The San Francisco Hep B Free initiative is launching "Which One Deserves To Die?" an ad campaign alerting the Asian American community as May 2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis B Awareness Month.One in ten Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B – the leading cause of liver cancer -- compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. According to the National Cancer Institute, San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation.
Along with members of her family, California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF) has chronic hepatitis B. Since joining the campaign, she helped launch a groundbreaking screening and vaccination initiative in San Francisco and is currently working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," she said.
San Francisco Hep B Free, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses, is trying to make the San Francisco Bay Area hepatitis B-free by creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing and vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more information, visit www.sfhepbfree.org.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hep B Free campaign in San Francisco
Published by Upsteam - May 3, 2010
The NY Times ran an article Sunday profiling a provocative new campaign to try to persuade the Asian population in San Francisco to get tested for Hepatitis B, a major cause of the high liver cancer rates in the targeted group.
The “Which One Deserves to Die?” tag line is a strong fear appeal. Is it enough to overcome the stigma attached to the disease in the Asian-American community?
The NY Times ran an article Sunday profiling a provocative new campaign to try to persuade the Asian population in San Francisco to get tested for Hepatitis B, a major cause of the high liver cancer rates in the targeted group.
The “Which One Deserves to Die?” tag line is a strong fear appeal. Is it enough to overcome the stigma attached to the disease in the Asian-American community?
Bay Area Campaign Raising Hepatitis B Awareness
http://cbs5.com/health/hepatitis.B.Asians.2.1672313.html
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ― An edgy new public health campaign, launched this week in the San Francisco Bay Area, aims to raise awareness about Hepatitis B.
Chronic Hepatitis B infections are widespread in Asia, and in Bay Area Asian communities. In a new ad, 10 young Asian beauty queens are asked, "Which one deserves to die?"
The new campaign intends to jar Asian Americans into taking some action to combat the spread of Hepatitis. Roughly 1 in 10 Asian Americans in the Bay Area is infected with the virus.
Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer, and San Francisco leads the nation in liver cancers.
"By the time you feel symptoms, its pretty much too late...you're in the late stages of liver cancer and will require a liver transplant," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.
Assemblywoman Ma knows about the virus first hand. She was infected the way most Asians are, at birth.
"My grandmother had Hepatitis B, she gave it to my mother at birth, my mother gave it to me at birth," said Ma.
However, among Asians, the chronic infection is stigmatizing.
"It's kind of like AIDS. You know, 20 years ago nobody wanted to talk about it," added Ma.
The hope is that these ads will help remove the stigma, and prompt Asians to get tested, vaccinated, and if necessary treated.
The campaign is available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin as well as in the print ads in Korean and Tagalog.
http://media.vmsnews.com/MonitoringReports/050410/5751596/M006654229/
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ― An edgy new public health campaign, launched this week in the San Francisco Bay Area, aims to raise awareness about Hepatitis B.
Chronic Hepatitis B infections are widespread in Asia, and in Bay Area Asian communities. In a new ad, 10 young Asian beauty queens are asked, "Which one deserves to die?"
The new campaign intends to jar Asian Americans into taking some action to combat the spread of Hepatitis. Roughly 1 in 10 Asian Americans in the Bay Area is infected with the virus.
Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer, and San Francisco leads the nation in liver cancers.
"By the time you feel symptoms, its pretty much too late...you're in the late stages of liver cancer and will require a liver transplant," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.
Assemblywoman Ma knows about the virus first hand. She was infected the way most Asians are, at birth.
"My grandmother had Hepatitis B, she gave it to my mother at birth, my mother gave it to me at birth," said Ma.
However, among Asians, the chronic infection is stigmatizing.
"It's kind of like AIDS. You know, 20 years ago nobody wanted to talk about it," added Ma.
The hope is that these ads will help remove the stigma, and prompt Asians to get tested, vaccinated, and if necessary treated.
The campaign is available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin as well as in the print ads in Korean and Tagalog.
http://media.vmsnews.com/MonitoringReports/050410/5751596/M006654229/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: San Francisco Has The Highest Rate of Liver Cancer In The U.S.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Grace Niwa
Niwa Public Relations
617-299-9848 | grace@niwapr.com
1 in 10 Asian Americans Is Infected by Hepatitis B, the Leading Cause of Liver Cancer
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma Takes Personal Fight Against Hepatitis B National
San Francisco, Calif. (May 3, 2010) – Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. The leading cause of liver cancer is hepatitis B.
May 2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis B Awareness Month. The San Francisco Hep B Free initiative is launching "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the Asian American community that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations, including the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University and Brown & Toland Physicians, whose common goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B-free city in the nation. Since its inception, San Francisco Hep B Free has tested thousands of people for hepatitis B. The campaign’s success rate has inspired other cities and counties to follow its model, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Clara, Alameda, Long Beach, San Mateo, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
Championing the fight against hepatitis B is California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF), who along with members of her family has chronic hepatitis B. Her health crisis propelled her to take action with San Francisco Hep B Free and raise public awareness on the impact of the deadly virus. Since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma helped launch a groundbreaking screening and vaccination initiative in San Francisco. She is working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.
Hepatitis B Disease Background (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Worldwide, 350 to 400 million people have hepatitis B. Many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.
• There are over 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in the U.S. each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.
• Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.
• Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.
• There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.
About San Francisco Hep B Free
San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org.
###
Contact: Grace Niwa
Niwa Public Relations
617-299-9848 | grace@niwapr.com
1 in 10 Asian Americans Is Infected by Hepatitis B, the Leading Cause of Liver Cancer
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma Takes Personal Fight Against Hepatitis B National
San Francisco, Calif. (May 3, 2010) – Recent data released from the National Cancer Institute confirms that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation. The leading cause of liver cancer is hepatitis B.
May 2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of National Hepatitis B Awareness Month. The San Francisco Hep B Free initiative is launching "Which One Deserves To Die?" a provocative ad campaign alerting the Asian American community that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a unique collaboration of over 50 private and public organizations, including the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University and Brown & Toland Physicians, whose common goal is to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis B-free city in the nation. Since its inception, San Francisco Hep B Free has tested thousands of people for hepatitis B. The campaign’s success rate has inspired other cities and counties to follow its model, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Clara, Alameda, Long Beach, San Mateo, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
Championing the fight against hepatitis B is California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-SF), who along with members of her family has chronic hepatitis B. Her health crisis propelled her to take action with San Francisco Hep B Free and raise public awareness on the impact of the deadly virus. Since joining the campaign, Assemblywoman Ma helped launch a groundbreaking screening and vaccination initiative in San Francisco. She is working on a state bill calling for preventative hepatitis B care and vaccination. "As a Chinese-American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B. The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 million Americans," said Assemblywoman Ma.
Hepatitis B Disease Background (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Worldwide, 350 to 400 million people have hepatitis B. Many do not know they are infected. Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America.
• There are over 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in the U.S. each year, with the greatest incidence among adults between ages 19-49 years old.
• Hepatitis B is one of the leading health disparities between Asians and non-Hispanic whites.
• Among the Asian population the predominant mode of transmission is from infected mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sex and shared needles.
• There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection from hepatitis B.
About San Francisco Hep B Free
San Francisco Hep B Free is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign’s goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals. For more info, please go to www.sfhepbfree.org.
###
NY Times: "In Ads, Plea for Asians to Get Tests for Hepatitis"
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/us/03hepatitis.html
Download PDF Front page clipping | Full article
By JESSE McKINLEY | Published: May 2, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO — It is an image both shocking and strangely serene: 10 beauty queens, each with a broad smile, sparkling earrings and a beautiful gown. And written across the bottom of the photograph is a simple, stark question.
"Which one," it reads, "deserves to die?"
The image is part of a provocative advertising campaign by San Francisco Hep B Free, which aims to eradicate the disease with citywide vaccinations against hepatitis B. The campaign debuts here in print and on television this week and is aimed at jarring the city's large Asian population into confronting the stubborn public health hazard of hepatitis B.
The new advertising campaign, which is debuting this week.
San Francisco health officials estimate that as many as 1 in 10 residents of Asian descent are infected with the virus here, a percentage that contributes to the nation's highest rate of liver cancer, an unhappy distinction for a city that prides itself on its innovative universal health plan as well as its response to past epidemics like AIDS. In the general population, about 1 in 1,000 people are infected with hepatitis B, which attacks the liver.
A large part of the problem, according to leaders in the Chinese-American community, which is the largest Asian ethnicity here, is the stigma attached to the disease, which is endemic in much of Asia. The advertisements encourage people to get a "simple blood test" because "hepatitis B can be treated, even prevented."
"We are not a confrontational group," said Fiona Ma, a state assemblywoman from San Francisco, who is Chinese-American. "No one wants to talk about it. But we know that people care about their families and their friends. And maybe if they know it can affect them, then maybe they'll talk about it."
Ms. Ma knows of what she speaks; several years ago, she learned she had hepatitis B, which she apparently contracted from her mother. The virus that causes the disease can be spread through blood or other bodily fluids, said Dr. Edward A. Chow, vice president of the San Francisco Health Commission, who said that the disease often displays few symptoms in its carriers.
"It doesn't manifest itself until it's really too late," said Dr. Chow, who said about 25 percent of patients, if untreated, develop serious ailments like liver failure.
A free hepatitis B clinic offered screenings and vaccinations. Rong Chen, 85, had blood drawn for a screening.
The campaign's confrontational approach has ruffled some feathers. Vicky M. Wong, the president and chief executive of DAE, the San Francisco firm that developed the ads, said that several of the beauty queen models walked out of the photo sessions because they were worried about its approach.
"There were so many debates as to whether ‘Are we going too far, is this right or not?' " said Ms. Wong, whose company specializes in campaigns geared to Asian audiences. "We got a lot of pushback. But there's a lot of people who loved it."
Ted Fang, a committee member for Hep B Free, said the high rate of infection among Asians here has been especially frustrating considering that a vaccine for the disease has existed for nearly 30 years.
"We have the medical tools, so long as doctors will test their patients and monitor them," Mr. Fang said. "We can knock out this disease."
Mr. Fang and others liken the city's efforts to the battle against AIDS, which ravaged San Francisco and its gay community in the 1980s and 1990s and also inspired in-your-face tactics. The Hep B Free program began several years ago with a more gentle campaign - the tagline was "B A Hero" - but organizers said it had gone only so far.
"Saying ‘Life is beautiful; get tested,' doesn't work," Ms. Wong said.
For the "Which one deserves to die?" campaign Ms. Wong enlisted volunteers from the Asian community to pose for photographs, depicting families, a basketball team, a group of doctors and office workers.
While the campaign is being published in several languages - including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese - a target group is English-speaking doctors, outside the Asian community, who might not be aware of the prevalence of the disease.
"Within our ethnic groups, we are all aware of this, because we all have friends and families who have it," Dr. Chow said. "But if you are a very busy practitioner who has a lot of different types of patients, you may not know to check at first."
For Ms. Ma, the assemblywoman, who said she discovered she was positive for hepatitis B when she tried to donate blood, her goal was to bring the disease "above ground," she said. And it is personal: while she is in good health, her mother, who is in her 70s, had part of her liver removed as a result of the disease.
She recovered, Ms. Ma said, but others she knew have not.
"It's a silent killer," she said.
Download PDF Front page clipping | Full article
By JESSE McKINLEY | Published: May 2, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO — It is an image both shocking and strangely serene: 10 beauty queens, each with a broad smile, sparkling earrings and a beautiful gown. And written across the bottom of the photograph is a simple, stark question.
"Which one," it reads, "deserves to die?"
The image is part of a provocative advertising campaign by San Francisco Hep B Free, which aims to eradicate the disease with citywide vaccinations against hepatitis B. The campaign debuts here in print and on television this week and is aimed at jarring the city's large Asian population into confronting the stubborn public health hazard of hepatitis B.
The new advertising campaign, which is debuting this week.
San Francisco health officials estimate that as many as 1 in 10 residents of Asian descent are infected with the virus here, a percentage that contributes to the nation's highest rate of liver cancer, an unhappy distinction for a city that prides itself on its innovative universal health plan as well as its response to past epidemics like AIDS. In the general population, about 1 in 1,000 people are infected with hepatitis B, which attacks the liver.
A large part of the problem, according to leaders in the Chinese-American community, which is the largest Asian ethnicity here, is the stigma attached to the disease, which is endemic in much of Asia. The advertisements encourage people to get a "simple blood test" because "hepatitis B can be treated, even prevented."
"We are not a confrontational group," said Fiona Ma, a state assemblywoman from San Francisco, who is Chinese-American. "No one wants to talk about it. But we know that people care about their families and their friends. And maybe if they know it can affect them, then maybe they'll talk about it."
Ms. Ma knows of what she speaks; several years ago, she learned she had hepatitis B, which she apparently contracted from her mother. The virus that causes the disease can be spread through blood or other bodily fluids, said Dr. Edward A. Chow, vice president of the San Francisco Health Commission, who said that the disease often displays few symptoms in its carriers.
"It doesn't manifest itself until it's really too late," said Dr. Chow, who said about 25 percent of patients, if untreated, develop serious ailments like liver failure.
A free hepatitis B clinic offered screenings and vaccinations. Rong Chen, 85, had blood drawn for a screening.
The campaign's confrontational approach has ruffled some feathers. Vicky M. Wong, the president and chief executive of DAE, the San Francisco firm that developed the ads, said that several of the beauty queen models walked out of the photo sessions because they were worried about its approach.
"There were so many debates as to whether ‘Are we going too far, is this right or not?' " said Ms. Wong, whose company specializes in campaigns geared to Asian audiences. "We got a lot of pushback. But there's a lot of people who loved it."
Ted Fang, a committee member for Hep B Free, said the high rate of infection among Asians here has been especially frustrating considering that a vaccine for the disease has existed for nearly 30 years.
"We have the medical tools, so long as doctors will test their patients and monitor them," Mr. Fang said. "We can knock out this disease."
Mr. Fang and others liken the city's efforts to the battle against AIDS, which ravaged San Francisco and its gay community in the 1980s and 1990s and also inspired in-your-face tactics. The Hep B Free program began several years ago with a more gentle campaign - the tagline was "B A Hero" - but organizers said it had gone only so far.
"Saying ‘Life is beautiful; get tested,' doesn't work," Ms. Wong said.
For the "Which one deserves to die?" campaign Ms. Wong enlisted volunteers from the Asian community to pose for photographs, depicting families, a basketball team, a group of doctors and office workers.
While the campaign is being published in several languages - including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese - a target group is English-speaking doctors, outside the Asian community, who might not be aware of the prevalence of the disease.
"Within our ethnic groups, we are all aware of this, because we all have friends and families who have it," Dr. Chow said. "But if you are a very busy practitioner who has a lot of different types of patients, you may not know to check at first."
For Ms. Ma, the assemblywoman, who said she discovered she was positive for hepatitis B when she tried to donate blood, her goal was to bring the disease "above ground," she said. And it is personal: while she is in good health, her mother, who is in her 70s, had part of her liver removed as a result of the disease.
She recovered, Ms. Ma said, but others she knew have not.
"It's a silent killer," she said.
Which One Deserves To Die? – Hepatitis B Ad
Published on Channel APA
Hepatitis B isn't often discussed by Asian Americans, but this ad will get you talking. San Francisco Hep B Free launched "Which One Deserves To Die?," a provocative ad campaign alerting the Asian American community that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This in your face ad shows why we as Asian Americans need to be tested for hepatitis B. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will be shown on cable, broadcast and Asian television.
Hepatitis B isn't often discussed by Asian Americans, but this ad will get you talking. San Francisco Hep B Free launched "Which One Deserves To Die?," a provocative ad campaign alerting the Asian American community that 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This in your face ad shows why we as Asian Americans need to be tested for hepatitis B. This million dollar ad campaign will appear in ethnic and local newspapers, billboards, bus shelters for the month of May. TV commercials were also produced and will be shown on cable, broadcast and Asian television.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Which One Deserves To Die?
Published by Audrey Magazine - May 2, 2010
Scary, isn't it?
It's a part of San Francisco Hep B Free's latest ad campaign. It's meant to be provocative, and it's launching this month, the 15th anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month.
We don't hear much about hepatitis B, do we? It's not like breast cancer or obesity, with all the hype in the media. Sure, one in 10 Asian Americans are infected by hepatitis B (as compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population). And yes, hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America. But is it something that I - as a healthy, professional Asian American woman - should really worry about?
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die?" ad campaign in Korean.
Well, if you between the ages of 19-49, engage in sexual intercourse, and/or are thinking of having a baby, you'd better pay attention.
Why? Because according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in U.S. each year, the greatest incidence is among adults between ages 19-49 years old.
In addition, of the 350 to 400 million people worldwide who have hepatitis B, many do not know they are infected.
And scariest of all? Not only can you get hepatitis B through unprotected sex and shared needles, you can pass hepatitis B to your baby while giving birth. Terrifying, isn't it?
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die?" ad campaign in Vietnamese.
In fact, new federal data confirms that the city of San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the country. The tie-in? Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America. So San Francisco Hep B Free, a first-of-its-kind collaboration of more than 50 private and public organizations dedicated to eradicate hepatitis B in the city, is stepping up its awareness campaign with the provocative new ads. The campaign, designed by DAE Advertising, features more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community in print ads and public service announcements.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign in Chinese.
Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-SF) has been leading the fight against hepatitis B. "As a Chinese American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B," says Ma. "The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 millions Americans."
California Assemblymember Fiona Ma.
It's all the more important to raise awareness and get the word out in the community to get screened. Not only is May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Month, but May 19 is World Hepatitis Day.
Get yourself and your loved ones screened today. Go to San Francisco Hep B Free for a list places where you can get free screening.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign in Tagalog.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign's goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
Scary, isn't it?
It's a part of San Francisco Hep B Free's latest ad campaign. It's meant to be provocative, and it's launching this month, the 15th anniversary of National Hepatitis Awareness Month.
We don't hear much about hepatitis B, do we? It's not like breast cancer or obesity, with all the hype in the media. Sure, one in 10 Asian Americans are infected by hepatitis B (as compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population). And yes, hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America. But is it something that I - as a healthy, professional Asian American woman - should really worry about?
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die?" ad campaign in Korean.
Well, if you between the ages of 19-49, engage in sexual intercourse, and/or are thinking of having a baby, you'd better pay attention.
Why? Because according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 43,000 new hepatitis B cases in U.S. each year, the greatest incidence is among adults between ages 19-49 years old.
In addition, of the 350 to 400 million people worldwide who have hepatitis B, many do not know they are infected.
And scariest of all? Not only can you get hepatitis B through unprotected sex and shared needles, you can pass hepatitis B to your baby while giving birth. Terrifying, isn't it?
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die?" ad campaign in Vietnamese.
In fact, new federal data confirms that the city of San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the country. The tie-in? Hepatitis B silently attacks the liver and is the leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal, expensive and fastest growing cancers in America. So San Francisco Hep B Free, a first-of-its-kind collaboration of more than 50 private and public organizations dedicated to eradicate hepatitis B in the city, is stepping up its awareness campaign with the provocative new ads. The campaign, designed by DAE Advertising, features more than 60 people from the Bay Area's Asian American community in print ads and public service announcements.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign in Chinese.
Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-SF) has been leading the fight against hepatitis B. "As a Chinese American, I have been the legislature's leading advocate to eliminate hepatitis B," says Ma. "The cause has special meaning to me because I live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects 2 millions Americans."
California Assemblymember Fiona Ma.
It's all the more important to raise awareness and get the word out in the community to get screened. Not only is May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and National Hepatitis Awareness Month, but May 19 is World Hepatitis Day.
Get yourself and your loved ones screened today. Go to San Francisco Hep B Free for a list places where you can get free screening.
San Francisco Hep B Free's "Which one deserves to die" ad campaign in Tagalog.
San Francisco Hep B Free is a collaboration between city government, private healthcare community organizations and businesses. The campaign's goal is to make San Francisco hepatitis B-free by (1) creating public and healthcare provider awareness about the importance of testing & vaccinating Asian and Pacific Islanders for hepatitis B; (2) promoting routine hepatitis B screenings and vaccinations within the primary care medical community; and (3) facilitating access to treatment for chronically infected individuals.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
China Press Article: 马世云等推动乙型肝炎防治
Article published in the China Press, p. E06 - May 1, 2010
为了推广乙型肝炎的防治，州众议员马世云、“旧金山乙肝防治运动”的倡导人方以代、旧金山卫生委员周兆年等4月28日晚间举行了教育推展活动，期待亚太裔民众增加乙肝的防治意识。
统计显示，旧金山亚太裔市民，每十个人中就有一个人患有乙型肝炎，到场宣导者们都希望民众能够通过检测、疫苗注射和治疗等步骤来预防和治疗乙肝。作为乙肝携带者，马世云鼓励民众接受乙肝的检测。
方以代指出，亚太裔人士容易患上乙肝的风险最大，旧金山有不少免费乙肝检测活动，民众可以浏览网站www.sfhepbfree.org查询。
图中左起为旧金山乙肝防治运动成员Larry Kitagawa、周兆金、马世云、 Sunny Teo、方以代、Elaine Fong。（侨报记者刘海平文，Frank Jang图片提供）
为了推广乙型肝炎的防治，州众议员马世云、“旧金山乙肝防治运动”的倡导人方以代、旧金山卫生委员周兆年等4月28日晚间举行了教育推展活动，期待亚太裔民众增加乙肝的防治意识。
统计显示，旧金山亚太裔市民，每十个人中就有一个人患有乙型肝炎，到场宣导者们都希望民众能够通过检测、疫苗注射和治疗等步骤来预防和治疗乙肝。作为乙肝携带者，马世云鼓励民众接受乙肝的检测。
方以代指出，亚太裔人士容易患上乙肝的风险最大，旧金山有不少免费乙肝检测活动，民众可以浏览网站www.sfhepbfree.org查询。
图中左起为旧金山乙肝防治运动成员Larry Kitagawa、周兆金、马世云、 Sunny Teo、方以代、Elaine Fong。（侨报记者刘海平文，Frank Jang图片提供）
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