 Alameda, CA (HEPATITIS C AWARENESS, INC) - National spokesband for the national Hep C Coalition, So Cal blues and roadhouse rock band Kelly's Lot, is reaching out to Northern California with a series of Hep C events and concerts bringing them to Rooster's Roadhouse, Thursday, May 11, 10 p.m. $7 Cover (1700 Clement Ave., Alameda 510-337-9190). The Alameda concert will follow a successful California tour that brings Kelly's Lot to the steps of the State Capitol as well as concerts in Paradise and Yuba City. The bands performance at Roosters is dedicated to the Hepatitis C Support Project based in San Francisco, CA. and those who come out to see Kelly's Lot in Alameda will receive a free CD. Los Angeles-based Kelly's Lot was formed by lead singer Kelly Zirbes. After losing a friend to Hep C, Kelly 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 The Hepatitis C Support Project to raise awareness in Northern California." The Hepatitis C Support Project (www.hcvadvocate.org) is a registered national non-profit under the direction of Alan Franciscus. The goal of the organization is to provide education and support to people with Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV/HCV coinfection and help them partner with medical professionals to make informed decisions for disease management and treatment. Services provided by HCSP include a comprehensive Web site (www.hcvadvocate.org), various publications and educational materials, and a national HCV training program.
Hepatitis C is a systemic blood borne virus that primarily attacks the liver. One in 50 Americans have HCV yet two out of three of them do not know it. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. You may have been exposed to Hepatitis C and should get tested if you have:
- received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992
- ever shared drug paraphernalia, either by injecting or snorting
- ever been stuck by a used blood needle
- been on kidney dialysis
- had a tattoo or body piercing
- had sexual activity that involves contact with blood
- shared personal care items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with other people
- been incarcerated
- are a war veteran (especially Vietnam)
Get tested now: www.hcvadvocate.org
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