Breaking the Silence

More Americans died of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) than of HIV/ AIDS in 2007, yet there is Silence. We are silent, that far too often people dying from HCV are middle age, 45-64 years old. (Annual of Internal Medicine, February 21, 2012).

The Central Valley Hepatitis C Summit’s in-depth educational sessions and interactive sessions offer a unique approach to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic by identifying and addressing the needs of the underserved HCV population – youth, intravenous drug users, and young individuals with a history of incarceration or partners with history of incarceration.

The Valley’s eight counties reflect the nation’s shifting demographics – a majority of our population is people of color (50%+ Hispanic), immigrants (documented and undocumented), young (average age 26), uninsured population (many with one or more chronic diseases), single female heads of households, and returning ex-offenders.

The Summit’s participants will share their voices, expertise, and leadership to develop a region-wide plan to accelerate prevention for high-risk groups, educate health care providers; improve timely and affordable quality access to quality health care, reduce hospitalization and readmission rates; identify and reduce the social and economic burdens of HCV epidemic; and create jobs through training and hiring health care navigators, generate revenues, and hope for the underserved HCV populations and the communities they reside.

Invited participants will include representatives from correctional/ judicial systems; public health and private health care providers; social services providers; hospitals and health care associations; community health care clinics; HCV infected individuals; HIV groups; women’s health care; elected and appointed officials; federal and state agencies; and major employers and industries.

We look forward to hearing your voice, sharing your expertise, and leadership skills.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Summit Program

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception

California State University, Fresno
Satellite Student Union

Registration Required

Free parking available with permit code

Please RSVP By September 21, 2012 to Ora Murray at oram@csufresno.edu or 559.228.2163

Funding for this program was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

SPEAKERS

• Andrew Hoff, Dean of College of Health and Human Services, Fresno State

• John D. Welty, President, Fresno State

• Donna Cryer, CEO, American Liver Foundation

• Julie Lifshay, Health and Special Project Manager, Centerforce

• Theresa Hughes, President and Founder, Wings for Life

• Rachel McLean, Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, California Department of Public Health

• Nadine Simons, CAPT, Regional Health Administrator, Health and Human Services, Region IX