SF Hep B Free Celebrates Virtual World Hepatitis Day
This past Tuesday, July 28, SF Hep B Free celebrated World Hepatitis Day by hosting one of its first public virtual events: a Zoom Happy Hour. SF Hep B Free traditionally celebrates World Hepatitis Day by visiting San Francisco City Hall, which is annually lit in jade green, the color that represents hepatitis B. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person events are no longer possible. Despite these limitations, SF Hep B Free has continued its celebration of this historic day by being creative and hosting a Zoom event. The majority of people attended this event in the safety and comfort of their homes, with the exception of one brave “reporter” (SF Hep B Free Program Manager: Mick Del Rosario) going out to city hall to capture the jade colored lights. Included in the following list are some of the key highlights of the event.
Event Highlights:
SF Hep B Free Executive Director Richard So making the Hep B Hero drink for happy hour
Notable speakers: Juslyn Manalo (Vice Mayor of Daly City) and David Chiu (California Assembly member)
SF Hep B Free Program Manager Mick Del Rosario reporting live from SF City Hall to capture the jade colored lights
Zoom photo of all 50 participants (check SF Hep B Free’s Facebook page for the pictures)
SF Hep B Free’s informative and engaging presentation on hepatitis B to all participants
SF Hep B Free’s call to action for attendees to educate others and get tested if needed
Through this event, SF Hep B Free educated approximately 50 participants on hepatitis B vaccinations, testing, and management. To those who attended this event and celebrated World Hepatitis Day with us, thank you! Although much progress has been made in the screening, testing, and management of hepatitis B, many challenges remain. Your actions make a big difference, so please remember to educate your neighbors, friends, and family to get vaccinated/tested for hepatitis B. Let’s make every day a hepatitis day. B sure, B tested, B free.
“World Hepatitis Day is a day for the world’s hepatitis community to unite and make our voices heard. It’s a day to celebrate the progress we have made and to meet the current challenges. It’s also an opportunity for us to increase awareness and encourage a real political change […]” (worldhepatitisday.org).
