No one has to explain to an AASLD member the devastating impact chronic hepatitis B is having on public health - and how much worse it could get in the future. But, for the general public - and their representatives in Congress - the scourge of hepatitis B is not a major issue.

We can help change that if you act today!

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) has introduced HR 3944, the National Hepatitis B Act, which will create a comprehensive prevention, control and medical management plan for hepatitis B. Among other provisions the bill would:

• Require CDC to support comprehensive programs at the state, local and tribal levels and provide coordinators to health departments to ensure the success of these programs;

• Require CDC, HRSA and SAMHSA to implement education and awareness programs about hepatitis B;

• Require CDC to support a national hepatitis B surveillance program and report the disease's economic and clinical impact;

• Require NIH, NCI, and CDC to conduct research on hepatitis B; and,

• Require the Secretary of HHS to prioritize these efforts for persons with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services, as well as disproportionately affected groups.