For Immediate Release: May 15, 2025
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Health Advocates, Elected Officials, and Community Organizers Gather to Call for Testing and Awareness on Hepatitis
New York, NY – Today, elected officials and community-based organizations gathered on the steps of New York City Hall to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a leading cause of liver cancer and liver-related deaths in the United States. The gathering took place at a time when federal services are being rolled back, such as the shuttering of a CDC facility that was essential in combatting Hepatitis outbreaks. In the wake of such a reduction in federal support, action from state and city governments is even more important.
There are effective tools to prevent and treat these infections—including a vaccine for hepatitis B and curative treatments for hepatitis C—yet barriers to access persist. This event aims to elevate community voices, reduce stigma, and demand stronger public health responses.
“Hepatitis is a ‘silent epidemic’ that has caused countless deaths, particularly among people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, substance users, and justice-involved populations. The only way to combat the perils of this silent epidemic is by publicly advocating for the testing and treatment that could save lives,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “Federal agencies played an integral role in mitigating harm in our communities, but as we see more programs defunded or closed, we need state and city leadership to step up and fill those gaps.”
“Hepatitis continues to be a serious public health issue that too often goes undetected, especially in communities of color, including within the Hispanic community,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “I’m proud to stand with the Hispanic Federation and the Hepatitis C Mentor & Support Group during Hepatitis Awareness Month to help shine a light on this silent epidemic. We must work together to eliminate stigma, promote education, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the testing, treatment, and support they need to live healthy, empowered lives.”
“Hepatitis remains a silent epidemic that disproportionately impacts communities of color, including many within the Hispanic community,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “As Chair of the New York City Council Health Committee, I am proud to stand with the Hispanic Federation and the entire Hepatitis community in recognizing Hepatitis Awareness Month. Together, we must break the silence, raise awareness, and expand access to testing, treatment, and prevention services—because every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from stigma and disease.”
“Hispanics are 60% more likely to die from viral hepatitis C compared to non-Hispanic Whites, and the rates of Hepatitis C-related deaths for Hispanics were 5.69 per 100,000, higher than the overall national rate of 4.45. These disparities highlight the need for targeted awareness and intervention efforts within the Latino community,” stated Luis Mares, Director of Community Mobilization at the Latino Commission on AIDS, and coordinator of National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day. “Raising awareness about Hepatitis within the Latino community is crucial for ensuring access to prevention, testing, and treatment. Together, we can break the stigma and empower our community to take control of their health.”
“Hepatitis B is a silent killer that can lead to liver cancer and liver damage. Hepatitis B is preventable. In NYC, we have seen an increase in individuals with Hepatitis B over the years. It is crucial that everyone is screened, vaccinated, and educated in order to prevent further spread of this virus,” said Dr. Julie Yoshimachi DNP, Director of Hepatitis B Program at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Organizations involved include, Hispanic Federation, NYC Department of Health, Hep Free NYC, Latino Commision on AIDS, BMS, Hispanic Health Network, Housing Works, BoomHealth!, Bronxworks, Korean Community Servcices, Family Health Center, Charles B Wang CHC, StartCare, Montefiore, St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction and The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group-HCMSG, CHN, Brownsville Multiservice Health and Wellness Center, Hope TGNC Latinx, Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center, La Casa De Salud, OnPoint NYC, Praxis Housing Initiatives, Inc., The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group, and VIP Community.
