How Can We Eliminate Hepatitis in Hawai‘i?
We talked story with over 100 different people in Hawai‘i from 2019 to 2020. This is what they suggested we do.
1. Increase Awareness about the problem
We need to make sure people and decision-makers know that hepatitis is an issue. Hawai’i has one of the highest rates of liver cancer in the U.S., and the leading causes are hepatitis B and C!
2. Increase Access to needed services
We want to make sure that everyone gets access to hepatitis vaccines, testing, care, and treatment, even if they cannot pay. People also need services like harm reduction, housing, substance treatment, and more!
3. Increase Advocacy at all levels
Your voices matter! Let’s make sure that people who decide on funding and policies hear what is most important for our communities. Tell your story, and help us make change!
4. Promote Equity in everything we do
Hepatitis affects so many people. To really eliminate hepatitis, we need to also talk about homelessness, racism, stigma, immigration health, LGBTQ rights, and more!
Let’s get moving, and get data! We will use data to help us know who to help and show if things are working. Remember: data not only includes numbers but also stories.
