In New York City (NYC), the burden of hepatitis B infection within the Asian American community is disproportionately high. This burden falls heavily on the most vulnerable and under-privileged group of recent immigrants from parts of Asia where this infection is endemic.
The Asian American Hepatitis B Program (AAHBP) has initiated in collaboration of community groups and academic and community health centers in New York City to provide hepatitis B screening, vaccination, and treatment free of charge. AAHBP also provides educational programs to increase awareness of HBV infection among Asian/Pacific Islanders (A/PI) communities in New York City. AAHBP screening programs are held at 12 collaborating health-care centers and community sites that serve A/PI communities throughout New York City.
II. AAHBP and KCS Public Health Program
Beginning in 2005, participants in this study were offered free hepatitis B serologic testing at AAHBP screening events or on a drop-in basis at participating clinics. AAHBP serves as a resource for both the general public and health practitioners, and implements clinical and research programs. This program also includes development and distribution of educational materials, conducting educational sessions: Research, Workshops, Screening, Immunization, and Treatment.
Since the start of the AAHBP program, being the only Korean community-based organization, KCS has joined a partnership with the AAHBP dedicated to reducing the burden of hepatitis B infection in the Asian American community using three-pronged approach toward fighting Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) through outreach, education, and research. To date, over 3,000 Korean Americans have been screened and 500 of those whose blood test shows that they are not fully prevented from HBV have been vaccinated and patients infected with HBV referred to Bellevue Hospital for further treatment.
KCS spearheads educational outreach and advocacy efforts in the outreach and advocacy efforts in the areas of hepatitis B and liver cancer prevention and treatment. KCS is proud not only being part of the AAHBP but also brining community members including Korean American Physician Group and New York Nurses Association into one to better serve the vulnerable Korean American population in New York City.
III. Eligibility:
All children and adults at any ages and who are living in the 5 boroughs of NYC are eligible to receive the services provided by KCS Public Health Program. For children who are under the age of 18 must receive approval from their parents/guardian. Parents/Guardian must be present and sign approval while the children are receiving the services.
IV. Services:
1 . Screening: Participants are asked to complete 4 pages of intake forms before their blood is drawn. This data will be sent to NYU Medical Center for further research. Members of Korean American Volunteer Physicians and New York Nurse Association initiated participation in both screening and vaccination event voluntarily.
2. Vaccination: The group of people whose blood test shows that he/she has not been protected from HBV should get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and works well. However, you need to get All 3 Doese of Vaccine which are given througout 6 months period.
3. Treatment: For those determined to have HBV are referred to Bellevue Hospital. Patient Navigator guide the patient and help set up an appointment, translate what the doctor is saying, bring the patient to where they have to go in the hospital, and where to pick up the doctor's prescription.
V. Resource:
*아시안 아메리칸 B형 간염 프로그램 www.bfreenyc.org
*Hepatitis B Foundation: www.hepb.org/korean/glossary.html
*Public Health Seatle and King County: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/hepatitis-b-KOREAN.htm
III. Contact Information:
If you have any questions or want further information, please contact KCS Public Health Program: (Tel: 212-463-9685/ email: echung@kcsny.org) Please refer to the info section for more information on hepatitis B.
AA
Hepatitis B Program
