In observance of the first ever Hepatitis Testing Day, Bismarck Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will offer free hepatitis C testing from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012, 500 E. Front Ave., Bismarck. Hepatitis C results will be available within 20 minutes. Hepatitis A and B vaccine will also be provided to anyone at risk. HIV and STD testing will also be available. No appointment is necessary.
May 19th is the first ever Hepatitis Testing Day. This day provides an opportunity to remind health care providers and the public about chronic viral hepatitis and encourage people to get tested. More than four million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C; as many as 75 percent with chronic viral hepatitis do not know that they are infected.
Those at risk for hepatitis B and C that should be tested include anyone who:
• Currently or in the past has shared needles, syringes or other drug equipment to inject drugs.
• Received donated blood or organs prior to 1992.
• Has received “home tattoos” or tattoos from unlicensed and unregulated tattoo shops.
Additional risk factors for hepatitis B include:
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Being born to an infected mother.
For more information call BBPH at 701.355.1540 or visit www.ndhealth.gov/disease/hepatitis.