Cathay Post’s Hep B Awareness Campaign

December 5, 2008

December 3, 2008

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SAN FRANCISCO - The American Legion Cathay Post #384 launched a campaign against

the hepatitis B virus and liver cancer at a special dinner event on Nov. 25.

The event, co-sponsored by AsianWeek, the Miss Asian American Pageant and

Pacific Printing Company, was held at South Sea Seafood Village in the heart of

the Sunset district, which has one of the highest percentages of Asian

households in The City.

Over 200 veterans, public officials, health professionals and community leaders

filled the restaurant to recognize the efforts of Cathay Post and to help spread

awareness and education about hepatitis B. Representatives from the Chinese

American Democratic Club, Asian Firefighters Association and the Hong Kong

Police Association, among other groups, were present.

Bok Pon, commander of Cathay Post, announced the veterans group was launching a

Westside campaign about hepatitis B for the Sunset and Richmond Districts.

“I can not sit around and do nothing, saving other lives and getting the word

out about this disease is more meaningful,” said Pon, who has

hepatitis-b-induced liver cancer.

Cathay Post has raised money to develop and print posters detailing San

Francisco Hep B Free testing sites. Eight locations throughout The City offer

testing for the virus, which infects one in ten Asians.

Early detection and proper treatment can potentially stop the virus before it

becomes liver cancer, which is very difficult to treat, and often fatal.

“Cathay Post feels a great sense of urgency to educate the public and advise

them on the necessity to get free testing so that they can be treated if they

have the Hep B virus in their system,” said S. Dong, 1st vice commander of

Cathay Post. “We can think of no higher priority until we get the word out to

everyone.”

Cathay Post was a member of the S.F. Hep B Free Gala host committee and has

consistently been an active supporter of the campaign.

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For more information on American Legion Cathay Post#384 call (415) 386-3544. For

more information, visit sfhepbfree.org.

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