Today, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Hepatitis B Foundation announced the
launch of the fourth annual "AIM for the B: Awareness, Involvement and
Mobilization for Chronic Hepatitis B" program, a public education
initiative taking place during National Hepatitis B Awareness Week (May
7-11). "AIM for the B" events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and
New York this week will provide a forum to increase awareness of chronic
hepatitis B as a serious health issue in the United States and emphasize
the importance of active disease management, especially among Asian
Americans who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
"Education is essential to helping patients and their families
understand hepatitis B, its health effects and the options available to
them to manage the disease," said Molli Conti, executive director of the
Hepatitis B Foundation. "The 'AIM for the B' events will teach people more
about chronic hepatitis B and help them understand the importance of
talking about the disease as a way to overcome the stigma that can be
associated with it."
This year's program will feature educational events in four cities
where prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is high -- San Francisco, Los
Angeles, Honolulu and New York. At these events, a panel of well-regarded
physicians, chronic hepatitis B patients and representatives from patient
advocacy organizations will share their personal experiences with the
disease, and discuss the importance of increasing education and awareness
of liver health. The panel will also discuss the benefits of early
diagnosis and appropriate care.
"As we enter the fourth year of the 'AIM for the B' program, BMS and
the Hepatitis B Foundation are committed to increasing dialogue within the
most affected communities through these important educational events," said
Ann Kolokathis, M.D., vice president, virology, global medical affairs,
Bristol- Myers Squibb. "As a company, BMS aims to support people combating
serious diseases such as hepatitis B. With the care of a doctor and a
commitment to treatment, many patients have seen positive results."
Hepatitis B Background
In the United States, approximately one out of every 10 Asian Americans
is chronically infected with hepatitis B. Asian Americans account for more
than half the chronic hepatitis B cases, many of which can result in
serious liver damage. Today, only a small percentage of diagnosed chronic
hepatitis B patients are being actively managed for their disease.
About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and improving
the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through a
comprehensive program of research, education, and patient advocacy. The
organization is committed to raising funds for focused research, promoting
disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and
serving as the primary source of hepatitis B information for patients and
their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general
public. Visit the Hepatitis B Foundation at hepb.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical and related healthcare
products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. Visit
Bristol-Myers Squibb at bms.
Bristol-Myers Squibb
bms