May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and Giant Eagle Specialty Pharmacy is partnering with the American Liver Foundation to offer a series of FREE Hepatitis C screenings at four Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle Pharmacies on the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: April 27 and May 4, 11 and 18.
The four participating Giant Eagle Pharmacy locations include:
Monroeville Giant Eagle
4010 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
Robinson Market District
100 Settlers Ridge Center Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
South Hills Market District
7000 Oxford Dr.
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Twp. of Pine of Market District
155 Towne Centre Dr.
Wexford, PA 15090
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes damage to the liver. It is a contagious disease that can present as a mild illness that lasts for several weeks, or as a serious, lifelong illness that can cause scarring of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 15,000 people die every year from complications of Hepatitis C liver disease. There is currently no vaccine available for the Hepatitis C virus, furthering the importance of screenings and early detection.
It is estimated that over 3 million people in the U.S. have a chronic Hepatitis C infection, and the majority are not aware that they have the disease because they can live for decades without feeling sick.
According to the CDC, “Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It is estimated that one-time testing of everyone born during 1945 through 1965 will prevent more than 120,000 deaths.” The CDC recommends that the Baby Boomer population be tested for Hepatitis C.
The screenings will feature the OraQuick® HCV (hepatitis c) Rapid Antibody Test, which will be administered via fingerstick. Other supporters of the HCV Screening Initiative include Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, Allegheny General Hospital and UPMC.
For more information on Hepatitis C, please visit the American Liver Foundation website at www.liverfoundation.org or call the toll free help line at 1-800-GO-LIVER (1-800-465-4837) or www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/.
To learn more about Giant Eagle Specialty Pharmacy, please visit www.gianteagle.com/specialty-rx.
The American Liver Foundation is devoted to liver health and disease prevention. Through its research, education and advocacy programs, the Foundation and its nationwide network of divisions, has lead the fight against liver disease since 1976.
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