May is Hepatitis Awareness Month!

Help us bring awareness to the significant health impact of viral hepatitis in the United States. Despite the fact that hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented, and hepatitis C can be cured, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States have viral hepatitis, but many do not know. During May, the Arizona Department of Health Services and our partners plan to shed light on this hidden epidemic by raising awareness of viral hepatitis and in particular, highlighting the importance of the below themes. More information about Hepatitis Awareness Month can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website here.

• Protecting young families and pregnant women: The CDC recommends screening all pregnant patients for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• Accelerating hepatitis C point-of-care testing to expand test-to-cure: Hepatitis C is a deadly disease. Point of care testing can build the bridge to life-saving treatment.
• Reaching key populations and high-impact settings: Increasing access to vaccination, testing, and treatment for key populations and settings can prevent the spread of viral hepatitis.

As we recognize Hepatitis Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that behind every data point is a real person navigating the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and, for many, stigma. Raising awareness is not only about sharing facts—it’s also about elevating the voices of those who have lived through the challenges and triumphs that come with hepatitis. Their experiences offer invaluable insight into the human side of this public health issue, helping to build empathy, reduce stigma, and inspire action. We invite you to take a moment to read a few powerful stories from individuals who have generously shared their journeys. A special thanks goes out to Southwest Recovery Alliance for helping to coordinate and compensate individuals for their stories.