September 2003
September 17 -- Dr. David Smith Psychiatrist and Certified Addictionoligist

Classrooms 3 & 4
Dr. Smith will speak about his experiences with hepatitis C patients. Then we will share our concerns, strengths and ideas. Support Group Members Interact

Upcoming Agendas:
Meeting Agenda:
6:30 p.m. (sharp) - Theme Song: I Will Survive
6:35 - 6:45 Announcements
6:45 - 8:15 Dr. David Smith
8:15 - 8:45 (or earlier) questions/answers 'til we adjourn

October 15 -- Clsrm 3&4 -- To be Announced
Sacramento Region Hep C Task Force

12:00-1:30 p.m. Sept. 17, 1400 North A St., Sacramento, Bldg. A
SRHCTF's vision is to eradicate the Hep C epidemic in the Sacramento region
More News
Our Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays of every month; at SCC (Sutter Cancer Center, aka: Buhler Bldg) classroom 3&4 or Room 220; 2800 L St (@ 28th & L: kitty corner across from the 2-story parking & across L St. from Sutter Hospital)
Contact Us: Phone number: (916) 444-6996
Our Web Site> www.sacmall.net/transplant/hepc.html
Email: dck@innercite.com (include "I Will Survive" in subject line or your message might be delected before being read).
*New readers of this newsletter, see the following.
If you want to be included on our mailing/emailing list and you can afford to include a donation, make it to "I Will Survive, The Effort", P.O. Bx 2180, Loomis, CA 95650 for:
$24 if you want the Newsletter by U.S. mail
$15 if you get the Newsletter from the website (if you wish, each month we'll email a link to you)
$ 0 if, right now, you can't afford to pay dues. In which case "I Will Survive" will mail monthly Newsletters to you. Please contribute to the "Donations" Box at the meetings as you are able.

From July, Aug, Sep 2003 Hep C Connections:
...National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council announced the introduction into the U.S. Senate of a bill to mandate a federal program to provide hepatitis C counseling, referral services, testing, public eduction, professional training, surveillance and research.
...An on-line survey of adult American found the following beliefs regarding HCV:
a) 32% think HCV is spread by fecal contaminated food or water; 42% do not know that HCV can be contracted through any contact with infected blood.
b) 20% of those American adults and 15% of hepatitis C patients believe there is a vaccine to cure the disease.
c) 30% believe that the disease mostly afflicts drug addicts and people with unhealthy lifestyles; that is far less than the 74% of hepatitis C patients who believe that there is that "stigma". Only 12% of the general public believes that people like themselves don't get diseases like HCV.
d) 34% of the general public and 17% of hepatitis C patients are unaware that prescription medications are available to treat the disease.
e) only 15% of primary care physicians as compared to 65% of gastroenterologists and hepatologists believe that available treatments can cure some patients of HCV.
f) only 55% of primary care physicians routinely inquire about risk factors in their patients and only 15% of HCV patients believe that they have any risk factors..

In the Sept HCV Advocate:
..Is a thorough guide (not medical advice) to help understand the results of blood tests and what out-of range values may mean (see www.HCVAdvocate.org).
.

If you have no money or insurance call:
Sacramento Clinical Trials
Schering's Commitment to Care 1-800-521-7157
Infergen's Safety Net Program 1-888-508-8088
Roche's Patient Assistance 1-800-443-6676
Dr. Gish, et al, call: Pacific Hepatology, (916) 443-0503
Dr. Pimstone UCD Med Center, (916) 734-1557
Dr. Rossaro UCD Med Cntr, call: Katherine Suggett (916) 734-8696



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