Hepatitis C Reaches Milestone

The Committee on Government Reform finally held a hearing to determine federal government's efforts to combat hepatitis C. The Community can't thank Roberson Secondary School and the efforts of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Eight grader, Erika Stein spearheaded the efforts to promote Hepatitis C Awareness. She spoke first hand, and most eloquently, about the tragedy caused from lack of federal response to the hepatitis C epidemic

In her testimony, Erika reflects on a campaign to New York City with DECA. As part of their attempts to promote awareness, the group attended the  NBC show weather cast gathering outside the studio. They were told by the NBC crew that hepatitis C is a dirty disease and limited the display of signs they carried. These young minds have learned quickly what stigmatism can do. More determine than ever, they brought hepatitis C to Capital Hill and delivered their message with a powerful presentation.

Read transcripts from the hearing below.

Witness Testimony

Testimony of Dr. Rima Khabbaz,
M.D., Associate Director of Epidemiologic Science,
National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Testimony of Lawrence R. Deyton, M.D.,
MSPH, Chief Consultant, Public Health Strategic Health Care Group,
Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Testimony of Jay H. Hoofnagle, M.D.,
Director, Liver Disease Research Branch, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition,
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Testimony of Michael S. Rudman, M.D., D.A.B., F.P.,
Medical Director, Frederick County Hepatitis Clinic, Inc.

Testimony of Ann Jesse, Founding Member, National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council
Executive Director, Hep C Connection

Testimony of Captain John R. Niemiec,
Health Programs Officer, Fire and Rescue Department,
Fairfax County, Virginia

Testimony of Erika Stein,
Distributive Education Clubs of America,
Robinson Secondary School

Chairman Davis' Opening Statement