Hazelden Responds to the Challenge of America's Latest Health Epidemic

July 19, 2000

July 19, 2000

MINNEAPOLIS--(BW HealthWire)--July 17, 2000 via NewsEdge

Corporation -

Most people would guess that the most common blood-borne

infection in the United States is HIV/AIDS. But the answer would be

hepatitis C, or HCV. Consider these facts:

-- approximately 4 million Americans are currently

infected with

the HCV virus;

-- HCV is endemic among intravenous drug users, with over

80% of

experienced users being infected;

-- 50-80% of new users acquire HCV within six months of

their

first intravenous drug use;

-- the highest growth rate of HCV is among people aged

20-29;

-- deaths from HCV-related chronic liver disease now

number

12,000 annually--and the number is expected to triple in

the

next ten years.

These statistics are especially alarming considering that

five years ago, the only time most Americans heard of HCV was at their

company's yearly safety meeting. Today, health-care providers, public and

private agencies, educators and prevention specialists work round the clock

developing programs to curb the tide of new infections.

Among the health-care providers who reacted early to this

epidemic was the Hazelden Foundation. Renowned as a leader in prevention,

treatment, and research, Hazelden spotted the rise in diagnosed HCV cases in

1998. The company's Healthy Living Resources (HLR) group immediately began

developing HCV-related information for consumers and professionals. Hazelden

created its HLR group in 1997 to address a broad range of lifelong health

and wellness issues and healthy living strategies.

Says HLR Vice President Gloria Gillette: " The lack of

information available on HCV was exacerbating the core problems of

successful prevention and treatment. For health-care leaders like Hazelden,

the choices were--and are--clear. In this as in other health issues, we can

be part of the problem, or part of the solution. "

To access Hazelden's hepatitis C resources for treatment

facilities, health-care professionals, and individuals, go to

www.htbookplace.org. and search for " hepatitis C. " Resources include books

like Hepatitis C: A Hazelden Pocket Health Guide, a day-to-day guide to

managing the disease, pamphlets for both professionals and individuals, and

the award-winning video for treatment professionals, Hepatitis C: The Silent

Epidemic.

ABOUT HAZELDEN FOUNDATION

Founded in 1949, the nonprofit Hazelden Foundation

pioneered the model of care for alcoholism, drug addiction, and related

diseases--a model now the most widely used in the world. Hazelden has also

been a leader in the recovery-related publishing field since 1954, when

Twenty-Four Hours a Day was released. Today, with 50 years' experience and

an unparalleled breadth of services, Hazelden is an international provider

of products and services to aid in the prevention and recovery of

alcoholism, drug addiction, and related diseases. Its website at

www.hazelden.org provides informational articles, research findings, the

Internet's largest recovery-focused bookstore, hosted chats, virtual cards

and medallions, and free daily inspirational messages.

CONTACT: Hazelden Foundation, Minneapolis | Karin Nord, |

651-213-4642 | or knord@....

July 19, 2000