Group Helps to Raise Awareness of Illinoisans with Hep C

Up to 70,000 Chicagoans are estimated to have hepatitis C, about half of whom are unaware they are infected. Less than one percent are receiving treatment. In 2014 Cook County reported 371 cases of chronic hepatitis B. With those statistics in mind, The Prevent Cancer Foundation is partnering with Caring Ambassadors and The Center to bring its Think About the Link campaign to Cook county with the goal of increasing awareness of the connection between certain viruses and cancer. Think About the Link is a multi-year education campaign focusing on three viruses linked to cancer: human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The groups will convene local health care leaders, policy influencers and community members at an event to improve awareness of and access to vaccines, screenings, and treatments to prevent the viruses, and ultimately, prevent cancer. Free hepatitis C screenings will be available to the public. The event will take place at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway Palos Park, IL 60464 on Saturday, June 11th from 9a.m., to 1p.m.