Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control have found that baby boomers are at risk for Hepatitis C infection? Even if you aren't a boomer, chances are you know and care about someone who is. An estimated 200,000 New Yorkers are living with Hepatitis C today, and it is an increasing cause of illness and death.
However, many of the individuals living with Hepatitis C are unaware of their infection status.
Assembly Bill 1286-A will require hospitals and doctors who are treating individuals born between 1945 and 1965 to offer a Hepatitis C screening.
The Governor must take action now on this important bill, so click here to send him a message: tell him to sign A.1286-A into law today.
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver, leading to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.
Empowering people to know their Hepatitis C status is an important step for their own well-being and toward preventing the spread of this contagious disease. Given that many people infected with this disease show no symptoms, testing is a crucial factor in disease prevention and treatment.
Please join me in asking Governor Cuomo to SIGN A.1286-A TODAY: click here to take action today!
Sincerely,
David McNally, Advocacy Manager
AARP New York