What do 77,000 people in Colorado have in common? Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Of the estimated 77,000 Coloradoans infected, over half do not know they have hepatitis C because many do not show symptoms for 20 to 30 years after being infected. The virus causes the liver to form tiny scars. Over time, the scars join together and begin to prevent blood from flowing freely through the liver. Hepatitis C virus is blood-borne. Several factors increase the risk of infection with hepatitis C. The sharing of needles while injecting drugs, tattoos and body piercing, having received a blood transfusion or organ transplant prior to 1992, blood clotting products prior to 1987, or long term hemodialysis. Healthcare workers exposed to accidental needle sticks and children born to hepatitis C positive mothers are also at risk. Hepatitis C is the leading cause for liver transplantation in the United States.
May is Hepatitis C Awareness Month and we at the Hep C Connection along with the Organ Donor Alliance are sponsoring the 1st Annual Ride For Life on June 7th, whether you are infected or affected by the virus, your participation could help a fellow Coloradoan get the resources needed to fight this virus.
If you feel you need to be tested or need information and support contact the Hep C Connection at 1-800-522-HEPC, or at our website www.hepc-connection.org. Please feel free to contact Cindi at 720-917-3969 for more information about the ride and to pre-register or check-in for the ride will be at 8am at the Rock Rest Lodge, 16005 Mt Vernon Rd, Golden CO (303)216-2895. Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to riding with you.
Sincerely,
Cindi A Gilhousen
Hep C Connection
Help Line Counselor
1177 Grant Street, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80203
Help Line 1-800-522-HEPC
Phone 303-860-0800
Fax 303-860-7481
cgilhousen@hepc-connection.org
Hep C Connection helps people live with hepatitis C
by providing support and education, increasing public
awareness, advocating for patient services and
working to prevent future hepatitis C infection.