HI SCR178

Legislature recognizes and supports ongoing collaborative efforts to implement "Hep Free 2030," a ten-year statewide strategy issued July 28, 2020, to eliminate viral hepatitis types A, B, and C in Hawaii.

Approximately 63,000 people in Hawaii are living with viral hepatitis types B or C, with higher rates among indigenous communities, African Americans, veterans, incarcerated persons, homeless individuals, pregnant women, and LGBTQ+ members.

State measures to combat viral hepatitis include expanding Med-QUEST coverage for hepatitis C medications, offering syringe service programs, identifying at-risk foreign-born women and families, and immunizing homeless communities against hepatitis A.

Senate Committee on Health and House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Homelessness are requested to convene a joint informational briefing between the end of the 2021 Regular Session and start of the 2022 Regular Session to assess progress on "Hep Free 2030" implementation.

Certified copies shall be transmitted to U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, state officials, and organizations including the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and Hep Free Hawaii.