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Waukegan, IL. — In observance of National Hepatitis Testing Day, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center and its partners will host a free community event to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote the prevention, care, and treatment of hepatitis. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 16, at the Lake County Building, 18 N. County Street in Waukegan, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“There are different types of viral hepatitis that can go undetected in most Americans. The only way to know if you are infected and to be able to receive proper care is by getting tested,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Health Department. “Leaving hepatitis untreated can put individuals at risk for severe complications—even death—and spread the virus to others.”
At the event, participants can learn about hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. Information on resources available in Lake County, such as testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), will also be available. Attendees can receive free referrals for Hepatitis A and B vaccinations and other Health Department services and schedule a confidential appointment for free hepatitis C and HIV tests at the Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections program office, 2400 Belvidere Road in Waukegan.
There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis; the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the leading causes of liver cancer in the United States. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines, and hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment in 8-12 weeks. About 66% of people with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection and about 40% of people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected. CDC recommends all adults get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime and pregnant women get tested during each pregnancy. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. For more information about Hepatitis C treatment, call 847-377-8450 or visit the CDC website.
About the Sexually Transmitted Infections Program: The Lake County Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections program, also known as Need2Know Lake County, works to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in Lake County. Located at 2400 Belvidere Road in Waukegan, the program offers confidential hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections screening; treatment and case management; vaccines; counseling; harm reduction services; education; educational-based support groups; and community outreach. For additional information or to make an appointment, call (847) 377-8450 or visit lakecountyil.gov/need2know.
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