Redwood City, CA (PRWEB)
ABS CBN Foundation International announces its sponsored 26project, Juan B Free, a campaign in partnership with Quest Laboratory, Las Vegas Gastroenterology (LVG) and Gilead, to promote Hepatits B screening and education among Filipino American communities in the United States. Additional sponsors include Asian Journal and the National Federation for Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). ABS CBN Foundation International launched its pilot confidential screening at all Quest Labs in Las Vegas Nevada in June 2012, which continues through September of this year. The project joins the global fight against Hepatitis B and commemorates World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2012.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease that affects one in ten Asians. It is marked by the inflammation of the liver. Anyone can get Hepatitis B, but some people are at higher risk, including: people born to a mother with Hepatitis B, people who live with someone who has Hepatitis B, people who have lived in parts of the world where Hepatitis B is common, people who are exposed to blood or bodily fluids at work, people on hemodialysis, people who have had more than one sexual partner in the last six months or have a history of sexually transmitted disease, and injection drug users.
Hepatitis B usually shows no symptoms. Adults and children ages five and older sometimes have one or more of the following symptoms: yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice), a longer than usual amount of time for bleeding to stop, swollen stomach or ankles, easy bruising, tiredness, upset stomach, fever, loss of appetite, and others. Through screening, diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be controlled.
The sponsored free and confidential screening provided by Juan B Free requires a simple blood draw, with no fasting needed. Insurance and a physician’s request form are not necessary.
On July 28, Filipino Americans in the Las Vegas area will be provided with the free service provided by Quest Labs at the Seafood City at 3890 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89119 between 12:00nn and 5:00pm.
Community liaison and Commissioner for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Rozita Lee, stated that, “It is important for us to protect our families and community by being aware of how we can stay healthy. By educating our families about the danger and treatment of Hepatitis B, we ensure that our communities stay informed, healthy and vibrant.”
Dr. Noel Fajardo of Las Vegas Gastroenterology (LVG) and Amie Belmonte of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) join Lee and the ABS CBN Foundation International team in the campaign to educate and eradicate the disease.
“Philanthropy and charity must always start at home,” says J. Robbie Fabian, President of the ABS CBN Foundation International. “When we take control of our health and well-being, we are better equipped to be of service to those around us and provide care for our families. The Juan B Free campaign ensures that there will be no more barriers to our triumph over Hepatitis B.”
