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Rally for Hepatitis Awareness

March 28, 2006

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The Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness (HMA) is once again planning a march in Washington DC to promote the need for an awareness campaign. See how you can take part even if you cannot join the march to the White House.

Liver Organizations, Activist, Families & Support Groups Are Making Plans for May 2006, National Hepatitis C Awareness Month.

Join the Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness during their fifth annual "Weekend for Awareness" beginning May 24, 2006 in Washington D.C. Promoting the need for a General Awareness campaign, HMA and other organizations will "March Across America." Groups and individuals who cannot make the event in our nation's capital are scheduling marches in their hometowns to rally local governments to inform citizens of the risk to their communities.

HEPATITIS C AWARENESS TO "MARCH ACROSS AMERICA"

Monday, March 6, 2006
Contact: HMA Press Office, 540-248-7324

WASHINGTON, DC– Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness (HMA) is once again hosting the Fifth Annual, "Weekend for Awareness," with a new twist this year. Joining HMA, other groups and organizations will "March Across America," promoting the need for a General Awareness Campaign.

In recognition of "Hepatitis C Awareness Month," individuals and groups that can't make the DC event, are scheduling a march in their own hometown. Most will rally on local government to inform about the risk to communities. Groups interested in participating can visit this link to sign up. The Movement provides pamphlets that volunteers can print out, which include a voucher for a free in home test kit.
http://www.march-on-dc.com/National/News/2006/LocalMarch.asp

Dubbed "The National Event," held in DC, begins Wednesday, May 24. The first two days, local State teams will unite on Capital Hill, with scheduled appointments. This is followed by a "Kick Off" Rally and Silent Auction, Thursday evening. The March begins Friday, 10 AM, with plans to step off at 11:30. Participants will gather at Lafayette Park, across from the White House. There will be guest speakers from the Hepatitis C community. More information will follow.

Saturday is "National Testing Day"; a free day for enjoying the National Memorial activities. Services including parades and entertainment, Many volunteers will converge on the National Mall, distributing HMA's pamphlets and vouchers. Events will end with a candlelight vigil that evening in memory of the 10,000 former Military Veterans that died last year because of Hepatitis C.

HEPATITIS C is viral infection of the blood, with almost 6 million Americans infected. It can lead to permanent problems, cirrhosis and organ failure. Only 20% know they have the infection. The only means to prevent it is through awareness, testing, and a "General Education Campaign." There is no vaccine.

As the leading epidemic in the world and the number one cause of liver transplants in the United States, organizers want the message clear; "Our primary mission is to alert the public to the many ways the virus is spread while encouraging people to get tested." Especially minorities and those with military backgrounds, most affected. Please come out and support a true effort for federal and state responses to this epidemic.

For more information and get a copy of the "Are You At Risk" pamphlet with a test kit voucher visit: http://www.march-on-dc.com/

Posted by Editors at March 28, 2006 12:29 PM

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