Washington, Jul 22, 2009 -

Republican Congressmen, Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2), Bill Cassidy (LA-6), and Charlie Dent (PA-15) co-sponsored free hepatitis screenings at the Rayburn Health Unit on Capitol Hill yesterday.

In a non-partisan effort the three members partnered with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable to provide free hepatitis B and C screenings to the public and create more awareness for preventive health care.

Four Members of Congress and more than 70 people received testing, counseling, and education on the two serious diseases. The event was initiated by the Chinese American Medical Society, in partnership with the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and several other health advocacy groups. 

“Yesterday’s screening event was an important milestone,” said Jeff Caballero, executive director of AAPCHO. “It marks the beginning of a unified effort between the hepatitis B & C community and our congressional champions, working together to tackle our national legislative challenges. After we’ve accomplished our legislative goals towards eliminating these diseases, we will all be able to say that it started here, with this event on Capitol Hill and others like it around the country.”

Congressman Dent attended the event and participated in a screening. He said:  "Hepatitis B and C are treatable diseases when detected early and properly managed. Screening is critically important because frequently individuals who are infected do not have any obvious symptoms and as a result are unaware of the devastating consequences that may lie ahead -- liver disease, liver cancer and premature death. This event is a valuable opportunity for lawmakers and their staff to learn more about hepatitis, be educated about hepatitis testing, and demonstrate Congress's commitment to the elimination of chronic viral hepatitis."

Congressman Cassidy was also screened. He said: “Hepatitis C and B are treatable conditions. First, they must be diagnosed.  Early screening and diagnosis lowers costs and saves lives.  I applaud this effort to raise awareness and to encourage folks to be tested for Hepatitis C and B.”

Democratic Congressmen Mike Honda (CA-15) and Ed Towns (NY-10) were also co-sponsors of the event. Pleased with the non-partisan focus on preventive care, Cao said: “As Congress works to achieve national health care reform, it is vital that preventive health care is part of the debate. Hepatitis B and C are treatable illnesses when detected early, and today’s event is a tremendous opportunity to educate the American people on the ability they have to either reduce or prevent the progression of this disease.”