5871 University Ave, Ste 334
San Diego, CA 92115
Ph: 619-582-2360; Fax: 619-582-2297;
E-mail: btran.aphc@sbcglobal.net
The Hepatitis B Prevention Project (HepBPP) is a community-based program intended to decrease the incidence of hepatitis B infection and resulting liver disease among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) youth in San Diego. Hepatitis B poses a serious health threat to API communities, where prevalence rates are four times higher than among any other race or ethnicity.
Designed as a 30-month project beginning in January 2003, the Hepatitis B Prevention Project is centered in the Mid-City and Linda Vista neighborhoods, home to large concentrations of API families. It specifically targets adolescents and young adults, ages 12 to 25, who are at greatest risk of infection with hepatitis B due to their low rates of immunization against the disease. The objectives of the project are to:
Increase community awareness of the importance of hepatitis B immunization;
Improve the knowledge of health professionals about hepatitis B, especially as related to high-risk populations such as Asians and Pacific Islanders;
Screen at least 2,000 API youth ages 12 to 25, and provide the vaccine series to those not infected or naturally immune; and
Increase the number of infected persons who receive appropriate treatment and health education.
The Hepatitis B Prevention Project employs a range of approaches for meeting its objectives. To raise community awareness about hepatitis B, educational presentations will be made to API student groups at local schools and colleges, and to community organizations, clubs, and religious centers. Local media, especially radio, Vietnamese television, and community newspapers, will be used to reach even larger audiences. To educate health care providers about hepatitis B, especially regarding the high-risk status of their API patients, a series of educational seminars will be presented, along with in-service training for providers at selected clinics in the target areas. Screening and immunization will be available through the Asian Pacific Health Center, participating community clinics, and primary care providers. Those testing positive for hepatitis B will be referred for treatment to their primary care providers, to the Asian Pacific Health Center, or to a participating community clinic.
The Hepatitis B Prevention Project is led by the Asian Pacific Health Center and Community Health Group, and involves close collaboration with the following partners:
Union of Pan Asian Communities
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, Division of STD and Hepatitis Prevention
San Diego Hepatitis Community Consortium
Stanford University Asian Liver Center
UCSD School of Medicine Liver Center
San Diego Vietnamese Physicians Association
Funding for the Hepatitis B Prevention Project is provided by a grant from The California Endowment. Supplemental funding is provided by the American Cancer Society and by Schering-Plough.
For more information, or to find out how you can get involved, contact:
5/15/03