MOHCA LAUNCHES HEP C PROGRAM

[Guest guest]

For Immediate Release

Contact: Bruce Burkett

Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance

573-875-8687/1-800-785-2437/1-866-434-2437

bruce@...

MOHCA LAUNCHES HEP C PROGRAM

Awareness and Screening April 28-30

California's ’s Lot to Perform

The Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance (MOHCA) is proud to announce an “Awareness and Screening” program with three concerts by blues and roadhouse rock band ’s Lot, national spokesband for the national Hep C Coalition. The series of three Hep to Life Benefit Concerts launches Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. at P ’s (216 S , Springfield MO 417-863-1909). Additional events will be held April 29 at i Bar (4004 Peach Court, Suite G, Peach Tree Plaza, Columbia MO, 573-256-8550, 7 p.m.) and April 30 at y and Louie's Beachfront Bar and Grill (Lake Rd 5-41, Sunrise Beach MO, 573-374-5750, 3 p.m.) All proceeds go to Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance to help the organization’s clients and those who serve them. Tickets are $15 for one and $25 for two people. The first 50 arrivals will each receive a free 's Lot CD. Free screening, testing, and education will be provided to all.

Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that effects over 4 million Americans, most of who have no symptoms. Though spread by blood to blood exposure, it was not until 1992 that blood transfusions were screened for the virus. Any tattoos, IV or nasal drug use, or exposure to contaminated blood would put someone at risk for this virus which attacks the liver. Hepatitis C is the major cause of those on the liver transplant list, most of whom had no idea they had the virus until it was too late to treat.

Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance was founded in 1998 as a support group. Bruce Burkett, Founder and President, has been through several rounds of treatment and has been virus free since May 1999. In 2001 MOHCA rallied at the state capital to get an HCV education bill passed and then funded. It has since grown to eight support groups across the state and has begun providing free testing in rural MO. In collaboration with RAIN of Central Missouri, MOHCA provides free testing for individuals at risk. Those who test positive are provided counseling, follow up testing and physician referrals. MOHCA has tested 560 people and found 163 positive cases. The organization has helped 67 people receive medical care.

For 2 years McCarthy and Gloria Laughlin have been teaching and testing those who have come to MOHCA looking for assistance. Gloria, who has Hep C and is currently going through treatment, is helping McCarthy coordinate the Springfield event. On board assisting Bruce Burkett in Columbia and Sunrise Beach is Suzanne Opperman, Liver Advanced Practice Nurse and MOHCA treasurer. Lending his support is Dr. King, a gastroenterologist in Columbia and a MOHCA board member. Everyone involved is dedicated to educating folks in Missouri about Hepatitis C.

Los Angeles-based 's Lot was formed by lead singer Zirbes. After losing a friend to Hep C, decided to use her music to raise awareness of this serious and stigmatized illness. "A spoon full of music helps the awareness go down" say Zirbes. "After using music to educate the public for over 5 years I have realized it works and am excited to work with MOCHA to raise awareness in Missouri"

Bruce Burkett

HCV/HIV Early Intervention Project Director

RAIN of Central Missouri

In collaboration with

Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance

4250 E. Broadway Suite 1055

Columbia, Mo 65201

573-875-8687

1-800-785-2437