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| Wilson Announces Upcoming Bill to Fight Hepatitis |
November 13, 2003 |
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| Albuquerque, NM – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today told participants of the Hepatitis C Strategic Planning Session that she will be introducing legislation to battle the Hepatitis C Virus.
Wilson attended a Hepatitis C Strategic Planning Meeting in Albuquerque today to hear from patients in New Mexico and discuss efforts to prevent and control the virus.
Wilson, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that she will introduce the Wilson-Towns bill with Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) which will authorize funding for prevention and treatment of the virus.
“Hepatitis C appears to be often overlooked as a significant problem, and we need to raise awareness,” Wilson said. “New legislation I am sponsoring will call for a plan for the prevention and control of this virus, provide for education and research, and authorize a coordinator in every state.”
The Hepatitis C virus affects four million Americans and 32,000 New Mexicans. Hepatitis C is increasingly affecting younger adults who acquire the virus through tattoos and piercings. The virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact, and an estimated 82 percent of injection drug users are infected.
The Wilson-Towns Bill will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for prevention, control and management of HCV. It will include strategies for education, databases, early detection and research, and require a biennial assessment of the plan. The bill will also authorize funding for a coordinator in every state, and create a Liver Disease Research Advisory Board.
This week’s Hepatitis C Alliance meeting brought all the stakeholders from around the state together to discuss a comprehensive Hepatitis C plan for the state. The meeting will continue through Friday at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, at 6000 Pan American Freeway NE, in Albuquerque. Participants include medical professionals and patients.
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