July 28, 2011

Press contact: Robin Nau (440) 554-6253; robin@asiainc-ohio.org

July 28 Worldwide Hepatitis Day: Raising hepatitis B awareness among Asian Americans

July 28, 2011 marks the 4^th annual Worldwide Hepatitis Day, organized by the World Hepatitis Alliance and supported by the World Health Organization.  The Ohio Asian American Health Coalition (OAAHC) will join millions of people across the globe to recognize the serious impact of hepatitis B, a disease that disproportionately affects people of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) descent.

In Ohio it is estimated that between 14,000 and 16,000 APIs are living with hepatitis B and many are unaware of their status. Unlike conventional notion of hepatitis B transmission, API individuals are often infected by hepatitis B carrying mother passing it on to unborn child, or an infected family member unknowingly sharing personal hygiene instruments, like a toothbrush or razor with another family member.

According to the Stanford Asian Liver Center:

• 50% of the current 1.3 million in the US with hepatitis B are Asian Americans
• 1 out of 10 Asian Americans carry hepatitis B
• Asian Americans are 100 times more likely to be chronic carriers
• Asian Americans are 4 times more likely to die from hepatitis B

To mark this important day Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus, Mayor Frank Jackson of Cleveland, and Mayor Don Plusquellic of Akron have all issued a proclamation declaring Worldwide Hepatitis Day in each of their cities.

“It’s important to raise awareness in Ohio about how hepatitis B is affecting our API community,” notes Dr. Yung-Chen Lu, Executive Committee member for OAAHC.  “More of our health care providers, law makers, and minority health champions need to be aware of the impact this disease has for Asian Americans and that it can be prevented.”

On July 28, OAAHC supports organizations around the world to raise awareness about hepatitis.  Translated education resources are available online for further information.

About Ohio Asian American Health Coalition
Envisioned in 2002, the Ohio Asian American Health Coalition is an alliance of communities and individuals focused on the health and well-being of Ohio’s Asian American population.  The mission of the OAAHC is to eliminate health disparities and to achieve health equity for Ohio’s Asian Americans by supporting community research, education, and advocacy.  For more information, please visit us at www.oahcoalition.org.

for an intimate dialogue about ways to strengthen local efforts related to Ohio’s Asian American communities.

Date:  Saturday, August 21
Time:  10 am to 2 pm

Location: OSU Rardin Center, 2231 North High Street – Columbus, OH

Registration $10 (covers lunch) – click here to register
Space is limited register early

Guests will include:

Kathy Lim Ko, President and CEO (bio)
Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Lisa Hasegawa, Executive Director (bio)
National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development

and others.

Sponsored by:

Ohio Asian American Health Coalition

1st Ohio Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Day 2010

June 8, 2010

The Statehouse, Atrium

Columbus, Ohio -43215

Highlights

• · Hear from state officials
• · Learn about how state government works
• · Take a tour of the State House
• · Meet with state senators and representatives

Event Schedule

10:00 – 10:30 am Buses arrive from Akron/Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo
11:00-11:15 am Opening ceremony
11:15 – 11:30 am Welcome from chair and introduction of sponsoring organizations; outline of AAPI principles with priorities
11:30 – 12:00 pm Guest speakers
12:00 – 1:00 pm          Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 pm Group skills training – legislative 101 and how you can affect change with state policy
1:30 – 2:30 pm Legislative panelists
2:30 – 3:00 pm Wrap-up and conclusions
3:00 – 3:30 pm Proceed to bus loading area
3:30 pm                        Depart

Contacts:

For more info, questions, or transportation inquiries in other parts of Ohio, please contact:

Akron —Michael Byun, mbyun@asiainc-ohio.org, 330-535-3263
Cincinnati—Kirti Rege, krege@oahcoalition.org, 513-236-2784
Cleveland—Michael Byun, mbyun@asiainc-ohio.org, 330-535-3263
Columbus—Karen Jiobu, kjiobu@gmail.com, 614-570-3518
Dayton—Jenny Couse, jcouse@oahcoalition.org, 937-284-3059
Toledo—Hewen Slak, hslak@yahoo.com, 419-471-0138