Action Alert from the HCV Advocate

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I know that we are not supposed to mention politics on our forum but this was on the HCV Advocate website. It is an Action Alert to the candidates to include information about the current hepatitis c epidemic in the Presidential campaign.

It just takes a minute to copy and paste the pre-written letter and email it to the two campaigns - along with a few personal lines if you'd like - to the email addresses provided.

Who knows? Maybe we could make a difference and raise awareness - and funding - for our disease.

Please pass along to all who are interested.

Thanks,

M

ACTION ALERT: Urge Obama and McCain to Include Hepatitis C in Campaign Message

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/community/Alert_Sep_16_08.htm

The Democratic and Republican conventions are over and all eyes are on the 2008 Presidential race. As they enter the final two months of the campaign, both Senator Obama and Senator McCain will sharpen their messages and provide details on where they stand on particular issues.

While both candidates have talked about health care in general, neither has mentioned the hepatitis C epidemic in the United States. This is unacceptable. Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne chronic viral infection in the United States. At least 4 million Americans currently have chronic hepatitis C, with 25,000 new infections occurring every year. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the death rate from HCV-related liver disease will triple by the year 2019. No other disease burden is expected to increase as rapidly as that of hepatitis C in the coming decade.

You can make a difference by urging both candidates to be a leader in the fight against hepatitis C by (1) making a public statement about the disease, (2) supporting increased funding for viral hepatitis programs, and (3) cosponsoring the Hepatitis C Epidemic and Control Act.

Please take a few minutes to write to both campaigns!

How you can help:

Write two different letters, one to Senator Obama and the other to Senator McCain. You can use the following sample letter to help craft your message. Make sure you add a few sentences with your personal story. Let them know why this issue is important to you. The more personal the message, the more likely the campaigns will take notice.

Please email your letter, then mail a copy to their campaign headquarters.

To send your email/letter to Senator Obama:

Go to:http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/contact2 Enter your full name. If you do not want to give your street address, make sure you give your city, state, and zip code so they know that people are writing from all over the country. Choose “a policy issue†after it says “I’m interested in.†Paste your email in the message field. Click “submit form.â€

(NOTE: the Obama server is really busy, and it may take time for your email to be processed. When it is you will receive an email from them.)

Mail your letter to:

Obama for AmericaP.O. Box 8102Chicago, IL 60680

To send your email/letter to Senator McCain:

Go to:http://www.johnmccain.com/Contact/ Choose “general question†under “subject.†Paste your email in the message field. Make sure you put your city and state in your email. Click “submit.â€

Mail your letter to:

McCain 2008P.O. Box 16118Arlington, VA 22215

Sample letter:Dear Senator Obama/McCain

I am writing to urge you to take a leadership role in the fight against the hepatitis C epidemic.

Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne chronic viral infection in the United States. Once exposed, most individuals remain persistently infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with 70% developing chronic liver disease and its often life-threatening conditions. At least 4 million Americans currently have chronic hepatitis C, with 25,000 new infections occurring every year. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the death rate from HCV-related liver disease will triple by the year 2019. No other disease burden is expected to increase as rapidly as that of hepatitis C in the coming decade.

Despite these staggering statistics, the federal government has not provided adequate funding or legislation to mount a comprehensive effort against the disease. Only $17 million is spent each year on viral hepatitis programs. This funding is not enough for states to provide testing, surveillance, prevention, and education services – let alone care and treatment for those in need.

Write your personal statement here. Tell your story in 3-4 sentences. What is your connection to hepatitis C?

I ask that you address this serious public health crisis in three ways:

Add language on your website about the hepatitis C epidemic and how you plan to address it. Support a $50 million in Fiscal Year 2009 funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Viral Hepatitis Programs. Co-sponsor the “Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act,†which would create a comprehensive effort by the federal government to address the epidemic.

Thank you for considering this request. I am counting on you, as the potential next President, to take leadership on this crucial issue.

Sincerely,

Your name

Your city/state

Hepatitis C Advocates UNITED! is a national, grassroots network of individuals and organizations fighting for increased funding for hepatitis programs and legislation to mount a comprehensive federal effort to fight the disease. We design grassroots strategies to educate our elected representatives about the need for adequate HCV funding and policies, including action alerts, sign-on letters legislative meetings, media activities, and other campaigns. We also share information and strategies on state-level issues and campaigns. We communicate through a moderated listserv and monthly conference calls. Hepatitis C Advocates UNITED! was formed by the Hepatitis C Appropriations Partnership (HCAP) and the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council (NHCAC). To join the network, send an email to rclary@... with “subscribe†in the subject field. Please include your name and city/state in the email.New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News more. Try it out!