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  • Disclosure: How to tell your partner, family, or friends about your hepatitis B or D status: Tips and tricks

                      Written By: Soumen B., Silvana L., Partizan M.  Sharing a diagnosis should not be, but often it is, a challenge. At some point it is important to tell your partner, family or friends about your hepatitis B/D status. This is an important moment for you and the people with whom you share your daily life.  Remember: Your comfort is just as important as the person you choose to talk to. You might be nervous, or you may be worried about what they will think and how they will receive the information you are about to share. You should know that not everyone will understand but you can be prepared with as much information as possible to be sure to set yourself up for success in this conversation. Know that most people do not know about hepatitis B, how it is transmitted or the health problems it causes. But for you, it is a step you should take: to live a normal life, to live honestly and to foster love and sincerity with others. For this, you need to prepare spiritually and emotionally. With preparation, this can be a moment of liberation for you. Remember: you have the right to share exactly as much as you are willing to and nothing more.   Preparing to disclose your hepatitis B and D status  Give yourself enough time to understand your emotions and to prepare for the emotions of your loved ones. Before disclosure, it might be helpful to think about the following:   Your readiness: make sure you feel emotionally prepared to talk about your health. Disclose when you feel ready to handle a range of possible reactions.   Their readiness: pick a moment when the other person is likely to be calm, receptive and not distracted or stressed.   Level of trust: assess whether the person is trustworthy, empathetic and respectful of your confidentiality.   Learn about your condition: Understand what hepatitis B/D is, how it is transmitted and how it is managed. This helps you feel more confident when

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/disclosure-tell-partner-family-friends-hepatitis-b-d-status-tips-tricks/
  • The dangers of unregulated alternative medicine for people living with hepatitis B: Why evidence-based information matters!

                      Alternative medicine is becoming more popular, but it can be risky, especially when it's not regulated. This is a big concern for people living with hepatitis B in places where access to medical care and treatment options may be limited. Some people sell untested treatments, promising quick cures without any scientific proof. These treatments can actually make things worse for patients. It is also important to note that currently there is no cure for hepatitis B but there are safe and effective medications to manage your condition and improve your health.  Why unregulated alternative medicine is risky: When alternative medicine isn't regulated, it means the treatments haven't been properly tested. For hepatitis B patients, using these treatments can lead to serious health problems. The safety and effectiveness of these treatments aren't guaranteed, and they can sometimes cause more harm than good. Some practitioners claim their treatments work because of divine intervention and charge high fees, taking advantage of patients’ financial circumstances and leading to false hope in their medical care.  Why evidence-based health decisions are important: Making health decisions based on scientific evidence is crucial. Evidence-based medicine uses the best available research and clinical expertise to make decisions about patient care. This approach helps ensure treatments are safe and effective.  For people living with hepatitis B, evidence-based methods are especially important. Chronic hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, and managing the condition requires careful monitoring and appropriate treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that while some alternative medicine practices can be beneficial, the lack of regulation and scientific validation can make them dangerous.  While the idea of quick fixes through alternative medicine can be tempting, it's essential for hepatitis B patients

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/dangers-unregulated-alternative-medicine-people-living-hepatitis-b-evidence-based-information-matters/
  • Philadelphia City Council recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month

    In partnership with key stakeholders, the city is working to create a citywide Hepatitis Elimination Plan.  Philadelphia, May 5, 2021 – The Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia applaud the City of Philadelphia’s Resolution that recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month. Council Members David Oh and Cindy Bass introduced the resolution today (May 5) to recognize and support the joint efforts of Hep B United Philadelphia and the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia coalitions, who aim to raise awareness of the link between viral hepatitis and liver cancer. In the U.S., approximately 7 million individuals are living with hepatitis B and C including about 75,000 Philadelphians. Hepatitis B is the world’s most serious liver infection causing over 80% of primary liver cancer cases and disproportionally impacting Asian, Pacific Islander and African communities. Liver cancer in the United States is the only cancer that continues to increase in new cases and deaths each year, which is primarily due to infections with hepatitis B and C.  Currently the City of Philadelphia, in partnership with key stakeholders, is working to create a citywide Hepatitis Elimination Plan to strategically guide reducing the negative impact of viral hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis Delta infections through a collaborative effort. The Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia look forward to working with the city council to move forward with elimination efforts and reduce health disparities associated with hepatitis in Philadelphia. “We thank the Philadelphia city council for supporting this resolution,” said Catherine Freeland, MPH, public health program director at the Hepatitis B Foundation. “This resolution helps remind and educate Philadelphians of the link between viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Hopefully this will encourage our community to go out and get tested and talk to their doctor about prevention efforts.” Evangeline Wang, the Foundation’s public health coordinator, said: “We look forward to spreading awareness through community partnerships in Philadelphia and providing free screenings and education in Greater Philadelphia.” To learn more about hepatitis B upcoming events, or to request screening at your event, visit the Hep B United Philadelphia website.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/philadelphia-city-council-recognizes-may-as-hepatitis-awareness-month/
  • B Heppy Podcast

    B Heppy is a podcast aimed to inform and help individuals living with hepatitis B through discussing various topics related to hepatitis B. You'll hear from other people who are living with hepatitis B, doctors, scientists, and public health professionals as we tackle new topics every other week.  We hope this podcast reminds you that you are not alone in your diagnosis! Together, we can foster a collaborative and connected global community united around all things hepatitis B. B Heppy is available on Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Overcast, you can also access it here. Please be sure to subscribe and leave a positive review! You can financially support the podcast here.  Listen to the Episodes: Episode 30: Highlights from the 2022 HBV Meeting Episode 29: Insight on hepatitis B curative drug development with Dr. Mike Sofia Episode 28: Progress on Liver Cancer Research - HBV Meeting Convos Episode 27: You Are Not Alone - Mental Health and Hepatitis B Episode 26: Myths and Misconceptions - Have I been cursed if I have hepatitis B? Can I share utensils with someone who has hepatitis B? Episode 25: International Highlight: Hepatitis B Foundation of Ghana Episode 24: D is for Deadly - What you need to know about hepatitis Delta Episode 23: Hepatitis B in Vietnam  Episode 22: What Are Community Organizations Doing for Hepatitis B? Episode 21: What Should I Eat For My Liver with Dr. Jennifer Lai Episode 20: My Liver Transplant Story with Peter Vo Episode 19: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Part II Episode 18: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Part I Episode 17: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Twi Version  Episode 16: #justB Storytellers' Take on Hepatitis B Part II Episode 15: #justB Storytellers' Take on Hepatitis B Part I Episode 14: A Conversation with HBV Meeting Co-Organizers Dr. Ghering and Dr. Andrisani Episode 13: Caregiving and Hepatitis B Episode 12: A Conversation with Dr. Stephan Urban, Who Developed the First Drug for Hepatitis D Episode 11: Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B Episode 10: Hepatitis B Discrimination  Episode 9: Adoption and Hepatitis B Episode 8: Progress on the Hepatitis B Cure  Episode 7: Hep B Community: The Importance of Support Groups Part II Episode 6: Hep B Community: The Importance of Support Groups Part I Episode 5: Patient Resilience  Episode 4: The Patient Perspective with Bright Episode 3: All of Us - A Research Program Episode 2: The History of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B 101 Episode 1: COVID-19 Vaccine and Hepatitis B   

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/b-heppy-podcast/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Announces 2020 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize Winner

    Dr. John Taylor of Fox Chase Cancer Center Recognized for His Contributions to the Science of  Hepatitis B and D DOYLESTOWN, PA (November 18, 2019) The Hepatitis B Foundation has named John Taylor, PhD, the recipient of its 2020 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for excellence in hepatitis B research.  Dr. Taylor is a Professor Emeritus at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Taylor will receive the award at the Hepatitis B Foundation’s annual Crystal Ball Gala planned April 24, 2020 at The Warrington in Warrington, PA. The Baruch S. Blumberg Prize is the Hepatitis B Foundation’s highest honor, given to publicly recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions made by an individual to significantly advance the science and medicine of hepatitis B.  It has been considered to be the “Nobel Prize” for hepatitis B research and is named for Baruch S. Blumberg, who received the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus. Dr. Blumberg, who passed away in 2013, was a co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. Dr. Taylor is being recognized for his significant contributions to the understanding of the hepatitis delta virus. Hepatitis delta (also called hepatitis D) is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, and only affects people who also are infected with the hepatitis B virus. “Dr. Taylor’s work on hepatitis delta virus molecular virology at Fox Chase Cancer Center provided critical insights about the hepatitis D virus,” said Timothy Block, PhD, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. “His work, with colleagues, has consistently been the definitive gold standard for our understanding of the virus, and has opened the door for appreciation of the surprising biology of virology, overall and development of new medicines to treat the infection.” Dr. Taylor’s work at Fox Chase Cancer Center focused on the hepatitis delta virus as well as hepatitis B. Professor Taylor's investigations led to discovery of the hepatitis delta virus’ basic chromosomal structure, through determination of the role of delta antigen in HDV replication, and the role of enzymatic functions and modifications of the delta mRNA in polypeptide expression. He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto, Canada. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at http://hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.  

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-announces-2020-baruch-s-blumberg-prize-winner/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Bets on a Cure at the 2017 Crystal Ball

    A record $138,000 was raised to advance research and programs for people with hepatitis B  DOYLESTOWN, PA (April 2017)- The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) honored scientific and community leaders at its Crystal Ball on April 7, 2017, raising a record $138,000 to help fund the organization's valuable research, outreach, public health, and patient advocacy programs. The fundraiser, held at PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale, PA, attracted over 230 leaders from academia, industry, government and the community. The gala evening was emceed by Patrick Walsh of The Walsh Group and guests enjoyed table casino games by Tumbling Dice, dinner and dancing, a silent auction and an awards ceremony honoring scientist Mario Rizzetto, MD; community leaders Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall; and HBF co-founder and executive director Joan Block. Prof. Mario Rizzetto, MD (second from left) was awarded the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for his discovery of the hepatitis delta virus. The foundation’s most prestigious award, the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize, was presented to Dr. Mario Rizzetto, honorary professor of Gastroenterology, University of Torino, Italy. He was recognized for his pioneering research that included the discovery of the hepatitis delta virus, which was a major scientific breakthrough. Hepatitis delta only infects those already infected with hepatitis B, and this co-infection is a deadly health problem worldwide. Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall receive the Community Commitment Award from Joel Rosen (left) and Tim Block (right) Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall were honored with the 2017 Community Commitment Award for improving the community through their significant financial support and board service for over 30 years.  Among their numerous charitable endeavors, they have supported the HBF’s Summer College Research Internship program for many years, and Mr. Woodall serves on the Leadership Council of the PA Biotechnology Center, which was created to be the home of the HBF in 2006 and is managed by its Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Paul and Jan Witte (left) present the Distinguished Founders Award to Joan Block, joined by Tim Block. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Joan Block, RN, BSN, HBF executive director, who co-founded the organization in 1991 with her husband, Dr. Tim Block, and Paul and Janine Witte. Ms. Block was recognized with the Distinguished Founders’ Award for her extraordinary leadership over the past 26 years. During her tenure, the HBF has grown into a professional organization with a global reach, touching millions of lives each year. In June 2017, Ms. Block will step down and pass the torch to a new leader who will inherit a strong organization with a deep commitment to pursuing excellent science rooted in human compassion. The Hepatitis B Foundation's 2017 Crystal Ball Gala was made possible with the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Univest Bank; Platinum Sponsors Arbutus Biopharma, ContraVir, Gilead Sciences, Janssen of J&J, and The Norwood Company; Diamond Sponsors Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, High Swartz LLP, and Penn Community Bank; Emerald Sponsors Allure West Studios, de Art Folio, and Inovio Pharmaceuticals;  and Media Sponsor Bucks County Herald. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/gala2017/
  • Hep B Cure Campaign

    Curing hepatitis B is an urgent, critical goal for the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), the 2.2 million people in the U.S. and the 292 million people globally who are chronically infected, and, we believe, for our corporate partners. In 2017, NASEM added its voice to WHO, declaring that hepatitis B could be eliminated by 2030. A determined advocacy effort successfully brought significant federal resources to bear on battles to cure HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. That is why HBF created the Hep B Cure Campaign (HBCC) to sharply focus attention on the timely opportunity to cure HBV. The Hepatitis B Foundation has established the “Hep B Cure Campaign (HBCC) Partnership” to promote increased public-sector investment in hepatitis B and liver cancer research to implement the Hepatitis B Foundation’s “Roadmap for a Cure.” The Roadmap was published in Antiviral Research (2018) and Hepatology (2018). This Roadmap represents a consensus of 35 leading scientists and clinicians and identifies 140 specific research projects over six years needing support from the National Institutes of Health. The HBCC Partnership seeks mutually beneficial relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, foundations, and individuals to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis B and related diseases (e.g. hepatitis delta and liver cancer). Through this collaboration, we will be able to expand advocacy efforts to secure increased congressional and NIH funding support of the Roadmap.  Vision Increasing federal funding for hepatitis B research over the next six years by the additional $39 million per year needed to implement the Roadmap Encouraging language in federal appropriations recognizing the importance of HBV and HCC research and service and urging that attention be given to these and other professional activities at all Federal agencies (NIH, CDC, DOD) involved with medical research and public health Encouraging the issuance of requests for proposals for HBV/HCC research for NIH consideration (i.e. NIAID, NIDDK, and NCI) Developing a framework for a trans-NIH scientific meeting toward creating an HBV and HCC NIH Research Action Plan based on the Roadmap Supporting current and exploring future clinical trials network expansion to evaluate new and emerging therapeutic agents and combination therapies Promoting HBF’s new policy position calling for universal HBV screening for adult population in the U.S. 2019 Partners Champion Platinum Partner: The Carol and Edmund Blake Foundation    Champion Silver Partner:   Leader Silver Partner: Leader Bronze Partner:   Progress Since the Campaign was launched in 2017, substantial progress has been made. The challenge ahead is to maintain and expand HBF’s advocacy efforts to secure funding for the research priorities identified in the Roadmap for a Cure. Below are some highlights of progress so far: Published two peer-reviewed journal articles, in Antiviral Research and Hepatology, leading the way for development of a research agenda to find a cure for hepatitis B. Developed the companion advocacy piece, A Roadmap for a Cure. Successfully advocated for increased federal research opportunities for hepatitis B through NIH and DOD. This led to new targeted grants opportunities and an increase in grant proposals focusing on hepatitis B. Click here for the 2020 Cure Campaign report.  Successfully advocated for establishment of the NIH Trans-Institute Hepatitis B Working Group, tasked with developing a Strategic Plan to Cure Hepatitis B. Conducted over 30 visits with legislators and leaders at NIH to encourage increased prioritization, funding and collaboration for hepatitis B cure research. Click here for our 2021 Appropriations Successes.  Organizing the 2019 Princeton Workshop to bring together leading scientists to discuss hepatitis B research progress.   Hepatitis B Cure Campaign Outreach Team: Timothy M. Block, PhD President and CEOHepatitis B Foundation Robert Gish, MD Medical DirectorHepatitis B Foundation Carol Brosgart, MD Board of DirectorsHepatitis B Foundation Nathanial Brown, MD Board of DirectorsHepatitis B Foundation Alan Brownstein, MPH ChairHep B Cure Campaign Outreach Committee Jean Holmes, MBA Vice President, Institutional AdvancementHepatitis B Foundation Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH Senior Vice PresidentHepatitis B Foundation   For more information about participation: Jean Holmes, MBAVice President, Institutional Advancement215-489-4946Jean.holmes@hepb.org

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/advocacy/hep-b-cure-campaign/
  • A Personal Reflection on China for World Hepatitis Day - Part I

    Sadly, like many Americans, until I came face-to-face with hepatitis B, I had no idea of the global implications.  Over the years, raising HBV awareness has been a quiet mission.  In 2002 and 2003 I was fortunate to travel to China, and help present train-the-trainer programs that were to be used in Chinese orphanages, presented to Chinese foster families, and used as training sessions for rural doctors.  The training programs were successful, and well received, but of course they were only a small contribution in a country where HBV infection is endemic.  In fact one in ten Chinese are chronically infected with hepatitis B.  Nearly one half-million die per year from HBV related liver cancer, or one Chinese person every 60 seconds.  As an American, I was aware of the discrimination faced by those living with HBV in the U. S., but I had no idea how widespread discrimination was throughout China.  For some naïve reason, I thought HBV infection would be better accepted in a country where so many are living with HBV.  I was very wrong. Training participants listened with earnest as we reviewed infection control techniques and modes of transmission.  All were interested in the details.  Perhaps what was more sobering were the interactions in between and following these training sessions.   I found myself quietly met by a number of tentative women with downcast eyes.  They waited in the bathrooms, and stepped out of tiny alley-ways as we walked back to our hotel. They quickly surveyed the area, their eyes darting back and forth, before they asked their questions about HBV treatment, and outcomes.  The despair was was palpable. We were invited to visit a local city orphanage.  The rooms were somewhat sterile, but cheerful and the care takers were very good with the children.  However, when we met with the staff, we learned of their concern of HBV infection among the children under their care.  They were concerned about transmission. However, they

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/a-personal-reflection-on-china-for-world-hepatitis-day-part-i/
  • Show Your Support for World Hepatitis Day!

    World Hepatitis Day is Thursday, July 28th!  Join the World Hepatitis Alliance.  The theme is "This is Hepatitis”, which is aimed at raising global awareness.  Globally, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B, (one out of three), and 400 million live with a chronic, lifelong infection.  Although there are excellent treatments available, there is no cure for hepatitis B.  However, there is a safe and effective HBV vaccine.  If you are infected, be sure loved ones and household contacts are screened and vaccinated.  If you are not infected or not vaccinated, get vaccinated and help eliminate the spread of this virus, worldwide. Show your support by adding a World Hepatitis Day PicBadge to your facebook and twitter profile pictures.  This makes a great visual statement.  You can also add the widget to your website or blog.  Take a look at HBF's website, and note the slider at the top with "World Hepatitis Day".  Check out the details on how to add the World Hepatitis Day PicBadge to your profiles and website.  Select the "add to profile picture" button.  Follow the instructions and the badge will be added to your FB and/or twitter profile pics.  (FYI.. I use hootsuite to manage my tweets, and it wasn't initially obvious that it picked it up, but it worked fine. )  Check out HBFs FB and twitter profile pics to get an idea of how it looks.  Once you make the modifications, the PicBadge program will post the badge to your wall and tweet an invite to others to join with their support.  You can also have picbadge send a request to FB friends so they may lend their support. On a personal note, consider sharing your story on the World Hepatitis Alliance’s “Wall of Stories”  Please feel free to share your story in your native language.  The more personal the stories, the better! Be sure to let us know what you or your organization is up to for World Hepatitis Day!  No contribution is too small in the fight against viral hepatitis!

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/show-your-support-for-world-hepatitis-day/
  • Gearing up for World Hepatitis Day!

    World Hepatitis Day is July 28th!  What are you doing to raise awareness and educate others about hepatitis B?  I asked this on HBF’s facebook page, and a friend from Ghana wondered what he could do to help raise awareness.  Another friend replied about his concern with HBV in Malawi. When you consider the scope of hepatitis B, globally, it is indeed sobering.  Statistically, two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B worldwide, and 400 million are chronically infected.  Don't let these numbers discourage you from your efforts. When I returned from China in 2003, my heart was heavy with the burden the Chinese people experience on a day-to-day basis, living with HBV.  At the time I was providing infectious disease training for specific groups of Chinese people, but of course in the scheme of things, the outreach effort seemed minimal when compared to the burden.  I had to focus my efforts one-person-at-a-time.  I couldn't let the sheer numbers discourage me from my mission to educate and raise HBV awareness at any level. If you have the money or the connections to do something in a big way, that is wonderful.  Then many will benefit from your contribution.  However, I think it is important to note that hepatitis B education and awareness is fundamentally carried out at a grassroots level, where small numbers of individuals band together to make a difference.   Organizations like the Hepatitis B Foundation are crucial due to their ability to reach out and impact larger numbers of people through research, outreach, education and increased HBV awareness.  Utilize their website, social media channels and outreach to gain and share educational information, and help raise awareness. So what can you do as an individual?  First thing you need to do is get educated on viral hepatitis.  There is much confusion among people about how HBV is transmitted.  If you mention hepatitis B, someone will invariably say, “oh yes.  My uncle got that from

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/gearing-up-for-world-hepatitis-day/