Chinese Hospital proudly announces the launch of its Hepatitis B Demonstration Project, a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to combatting hepatitis B in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. This initiative is made possible through a grant awarded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
In the United States, hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian Americans, with 1 in 12 chronically infected compared to 1 in 1000 non-Hispanic Whites. Despite comprising only 6% of the U.S. population, Asian Americans account for over 60% of 860,000 individuals living with hepatitis B, representing one of the most significant racial health disparities in the country. Left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to severe liver complications, with nearly 1 in 4 individuals developing liver cancer. Furthermore, liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Asian American men. In San Francisco, where Asian Americans make up 37.3% of the population, the burden of liver cancer and undiagnosed hepatitis B infections is particularly high, contributing to elevated rates of liver cancer.
“CDPH is proud to award nearly $1.3 million to the Chinese Hospital for the Hepatitis B Demonstration Project,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás Aragón. “This project is aligned with California’s goal to decrease hepatitis B infections and improve care for persons living with hepatitis B. It is also consistent with the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan, which calls for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. We have great confidence that Chinese Hospital, with their extensive experience and expertise in providing culturally appropriate services to the most vulnerable and underserved people living with or at risk for HBV infection, will make an impact on these priority populations.”
For over 25 years, Chinese Hospital has been at the forefront of providing vital hepatitis B services, including vaccination, screening, treatment, linkage of care, and education. Notably, Chinese Hospital has offered free testing opportunities to support Asian communities, focusing on low-income populations and new immigrants. Additionally, it extends free liver cancer screening to uninsured or underinsured patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, stated, “The selection of Chinese Hospital for the Hepatitis B Demonstration Project Grant illustrates our continued commitment to addressing high rates of hepatitis B within Asian communities. We are dedicated to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all. Our efforts to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate hepatitis B services have been ongoing for decades, and this grant enables us to further amplify our impact and extend our reach.”
Over the next three years, the grant will support innovative approaches to improve the health and well-being of Californians affected by Hepatitis B, aligning with California’s goals to reduce the incidence of acute hepatitis B infection and improve care for affected individuals. Furthermore, it contributes to the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan’s objective of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
The project will leverage Chinese Hospital’s expertise to implement a comprehensive approach to prevention and management. Through robust community outreach, education, and collaboration with partners such as Chinese Community Health Resource Center (CCHRC), the project aims to increase awareness and access to care for individuals affected by Hepatitis B in our communities.
For more information about Hepatitis B services at Chinese Hospital and Clinics, please visit www.chinesehospital-sf.org.
Media contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]
