Health Department Joins Global Campaign for Hepatitis Awareness

Members of Skagit County Public Health Department are asking Skagitonians, “Am I Number 12?” as part of a global campaign to increase awareness of the shocking statistic that one in 12 people on the planet are living with Hepatitis B or C. The majority of those infected are unaware. Many people can live unaffected by the virus for years. In others, the virus can increase the chance of liver damage and liver failure, and possibly even liver cancer. In 2007, over 100 cases of chronic (infected for life) hepatitis were reported in Skagit County.

In Skagit County, the “Am I Number 12?” campaign educates people about Hepatitis A, B and C and how to prevent infection with Hepatitis A and B vaccination. Free Hepatitis C testing will be offered on World Hepatitis Day, Monday, May 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic. The Hepatitis C tests are free and the vaccinations will be available on a sliding scale based on income and insurance.