MI SR0146

Designates May 2014 as Hepatitis C Awareness Month in Michigan

Recognizes hepatitis C as a significant public health threat affecting an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Michiganders and nearly 4 million Americans

Notes that hepatitis C causes approximately 30,000 new cases and 10,000 deaths annually in the United States, with financial costs of $7.5 million per 100,000 people

Emphasizes the need for public education and disease prevention efforts since no vaccine exists for hepatitis C and the disease often causes no symptoms until irreversible liver damage occurs

Urges Michigan citizens to educate themselves about the causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments for hepatitis C