MAYOR GIULIANI DECLARES APRIL 1998 AS HEPATITIS C AWARENESS MONTH
Praises the work of the Latino Organization For Liver Awareness
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today helped members of the Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (L.O.L.A.) launch a Hepatitis C Public Education and Awareness Campaign, and proclaimed April, Hepatitis C Awareness Month.
The work of L.O.L.A.'s founder and chairperson, Debbie Delgado Vega, was also recognized at the Proclamation Ceremony at City Hall. Ms. Vega who suffers liver disease and has received a liver transplant, dedicates her efforts to educate the community about the importance of organ donations, and liver transplants.
"I am honored to present this proclamation on behalf of the Mayor to Ms. Vega," said Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra. "Debbie's work to increase organ donations is an inspiration to all New Yorkers. Her fight against liver disease and her efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of Hepatitis C make her a true champion in the Latino community. We are all proud to stand and work with her in her continuing struggle to eradicate this disease," concluded Segarra.
It is estimated that 4.8 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C, and that as many as 12,000 die from the condition every year. By launching her public awareness campaign, Ms. Vega has shed light on a growing issue in the Latino community. "I want to build upon a person's desire for a healthy life by providing information on liver disease and how to get tested and treated for Hepatitis C," said Ms. Vega. "Education can help eliminate this deadly virus and the need for liver transplants among all New Yorkers with Hepatitis C, especially within the Latino community."
L.O.L.A. is the first national, bilingual/bicultural voluntary organization dedicated to raising awareness, prevention, education and treatment referral services to the Latino community and other populations who suffer from liver disease in the United States.
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