Pittsburg, P.A. July 19, 2024– Physicians and staff from the CCACC Health Center recently attended the Liver Alliance Conference to address one of the most pressing health disparities affecting the Asian American community—Hepatitis B. During the conference, the team introduced their S.T.O.P. B Program (Screening, Treatment, Outreach, and Prevention of Hepatitis B), a longstanding initiative dedicated to tackling this silent epidemic through community-based healthcare solutions.
Hepatitis B: A Critical Health Disparity for Asian Americans
Hepatitis B remains a significant but often overlooked public health issue, particularly within Asian American and immigrant populations. According to CDC data presented at the conference:
Asian Americans make up just 6% of the U.S. population but account for over 60% of Americans living with chronic Hepatitis B.
1 in 12 Asian Americans has Hepatitis B, a rate that is 31 times higher than that of non-Hispanic Whites.
Despite the risks, screening and vaccination rates remain low, leaving many unaware of their infection status until complications arise.
Dr. Mo-Ping Chow, the founding physician at the CCACC Health Center (aka. Pan Asian Clinic), shared his frontline clinical experiences, highlighting the urgent need for expanded Hepatitis B screening, treatment, and education in the Asian American community. He emphasized that many patients, particularly older immigrants, face barriers such as misinformation, language challenges, and lack of access to preventive care.
S.T.O.P. B: A 13-Year Commitment to Prevention and Care
Since its launch in 2011, the S.T.O.P. B Program has been a cornerstone of the clinic’s efforts to combat Hepatitis B through a comprehensive approach that includes:✅ Universal Screening – Identifying at-risk individuals in the community.✅ Medical Care & Treatment – Providing follow-up care, antiviral treatment, and linking uninsured patients to free treatment services.✅ Vaccination Efforts – Educating and immunizing at-risk individuals.✅ Community Outreach & Education – Conducting health talks, senior apartment visits, and partnerships with local organizations to increase awareness.
Impact and Results
Over the past 13 years, the program has screened over 3,500 at-risk patients, with:
41% requiring vaccination
8.5% diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B
Over 650 patients completing a full three-dose vaccination series
Despite these efforts, many challenges remain—particularly securing funding for screening programs, increasing reimbursement rates for Hepatitis B vaccines, and expanding community outreach.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Expansion
The Pan Asian Clinic team used the conference platform to advocate for policy changes, increased funding, and greater public awareness of Hepatitis B prevention. The clinic also aims to enhance its partnerships with healthcare providers, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to expand vaccination access and improve early detection.
“Our mission is clear—eliminate barriers to Hepatitis B screening and care, and ensure that no one goes untreated due to lack of access or awareness,” said Dr. Chow.
As the Liver Alliance Conference concluded, the Pan Asian Clinic team reaffirmed their commitment to empowering communities through health education, early intervention, and life-saving medical care.
For more information about the S.T.O.P. B Program or to support the initiative, please contact 240-393-5950.
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