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Events to Raise National Hepatitis B Awareness

May 8, 2007

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As part of Hepatitis Awareness Month, events are being planned in four major cities to offer disease management education, especially for Asian Americans, a demographic with high rates of Hepatitis B infection. Learn what cities are hosting this public health awareness initiative as well as how education can help remove the stigma associated with the disease.

'AIM for the B' Public Education Program To Raise Awareness of Chronic Hepatitis B Among Communities Most Affected by the Disease

'AIM for the B' Events Planned in Four Major Cities to Offer Disease Management Education to Asian American Populations

www.prnewswire.com

PRINCETON, N.J. and DOYLESTOWN, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Today, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Hepatitis B Foundation announced the launch of the fourth annual "AIM for the B: Awareness, Involvement and Mobilization for Chronic Hepatitis B" program, a public education initiative taking place during National Hepatitis B Awareness Week (May 7-11). "AIM for the B" events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and New York this week will provide a forum to increase awareness of chronic hepatitis B as a serious health issue in the United States and emphasize the importance of active disease management, especially among Asian Americans who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

"Education is essential to helping patients and their families understand hepatitis B, its health effects and the options available to them to manage the disease," said Molli Conti, executive director of the Hepatitis B Foundation. "The 'AIM for the B' events will teach people more about chronic hepatitis B and help them understand the importance of talking about the disease as a way to overcome the stigma that can be associated with it."

This year's program will feature educational events in four cities where prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is high -- San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and New York. At these events, a panel of well-regarded physicians, chronic hepatitis B patients and representatives from patient advocacy organizations will share their personal experiences with the disease, and discuss the importance of increasing education and awareness of liver health. The panel will also discuss the benefits of early diagnosis and appropriate care.

"As we enter the fourth year of the 'AIM for the B' program, BMS and the Hepatitis B Foundation are committed to increasing dialogue within the most affected communities through these important educational events," said Ann Kolokathis, M.D., vice president, virology, global medical affairs, Bristol- Myers Squibb. "As a company, BMS aims to support people combating serious diseases such as hepatitis B. With the care of a doctor and a commitment to treatment, many patients have seen positive results."

Hepatitis B Background
In the United States, approximately one out of every 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B. Asian Americans account for more than half the chronic hepatitis B cases, many of which can result in serious liver damage. Today, only a small percentage of diagnosed chronic hepatitis B patients are being actively managed for their disease.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through a comprehensive program of research, education, and patient advocacy. The organization is committed to raising funds for focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of hepatitis B information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. Visit the Hepatitis B Foundation at http://www.hepb.org.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical and related healthcare products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. Visit Bristol-Myers Squibb at http://www.bms.com.

SOURCE Bristol-Myers Squibb

Posted by Editors at May 8, 2007 3:11 PM

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