In California
Assembly Bill 158, authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, recently passed out of the Assembly Health Committee and has been undergoing revisions, the latest as of 5/7/2008. This important bill will provide care for all uninsured and under-insured people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B, with no raise in taxes. The prevention efforts will be conducted in a culturally appropriate manner in order to reach the API population who are the most impacted by hepatitis B.
 |
At a rally in Sacremento, a group of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans gathered on the steps of the Sacramento Capitol Building. They held signs showing important hepatitis B statistics and calling for California State Assembly Bill AB158 to be passed. |
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma
California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, representing California's 12th District, has been a strong proponent and advocate for hepatitis B legislation in California. Please visit her website for more information.
In the Bay Area
Hepatitis Awareness Week
Continuing with the successes of previous Hepatitis B Awareness Weeks, the Jade Ribbon Youth Council is expanding its scope to include more Bay Area cities. The week has been shifted from March to May such that it coincides with Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and World Hepatitis Day (May 19).
May 19th was World Hepatitis Day and to promote awareness of hepatitis B, the 15 highly motivated members of the Jade Ribbon Youth Council (JRYC) convinced 22 Bay Area cities to declare the 3rd week of May as "Hepatitis B Awareness Week." The JRYC was recognized on May 19th for their efforts by the City of San Jose and Mayor Chuck Reed to coincide with World Hepatitis Day (see Press Coverage). The following cities issued a proclamation in support of the JRYC's efforts and "Hepatitis B Awareness Week" in the Bay Area:
Campbell, Cupertino, Daly City, Fremont, Gilroy, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Newark, Oakland, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Piedmont, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Jose, San Ramon, Santa Clara, Saratoga, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and Walnut Creek.
In total, 22 cities have joined in the fight against hepatitis B!
