Thelma King Thiel Chairwoman, and Chief Executive Officer

Liver Lady Kicks Off Prevention Program in Pennsylvania

Thelma King Thiel, HFI’s CEO was invited by the Blair County Healthy Community Partnership in Altoona, Pennsylvania to kick off a major campaign to attack an alarming increase in hepatitis C. Blair County reported 215 new cases of the virus in 2003 that coincided with the burgeoning problem of heroin use among substance abusers.

County officials and community leaders asked the assistance of "The Liver Lady" to mobilize the community to promote liver wellness as an effective approach to prevent the spread of hepatitis and bring this critical problem under control. Thiel’s unique and effective communication techniques have achieved success in preventing viral hepatitis and substance abuse. . .and motivating individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. She encouraged healthcare providers from five hospitals in the area to take advantage of teachable moments to educate young and old alike. "There are missed opportunities to educate individuals who participate in high risk behaviors who attend STD clinics, juvenile detention centers, corrections facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other medical clinics," Thiel reported. Ready made, effective and memorable educational materials and award winning videos developed by HFI carry consistent basic lifesaving messages. The objective of this approach is to motivate individuals to assess their own risk of exposure and to take responsibility for their own healthcare by avoiding liver damaging behaviors.

"We have to help those who are currently substance abusers to avoid sharing needles that can spread hepatitis and HIV." She added, "We must also educate children in schools about the importance of the liver, their internal power plant, and encourage them to avoid activities that can cause it to shut down." Viruses, drugs and alcohol attack and kill liver cells that serve as the employees in the body’s personal power plant. This occurs without any warning until the damage is far advanced leading to cirrhosis and even cancer. Hepatitis infections can go undetected for 20 and even 30 years thereby contributing to the spread of these insidious viruses. Education is critical.

Four Blair County hospitals, Altoona, Bon Secours, Nason and Tyrone, have all agreed to hold hepatitis C screening programs over the next several months. Anyone who has ever used IV drugs, snorted cocaine, had a blood transfusion or used other blood products before 1992 should take advantage of this screening program. Others who may have been infected when having a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated instruments should ask to be tested. It is vitally important to get tested as anyone who is HCV infected should avoid drinking alcohol as it speeds the damage to the liver.

Hepatitis C is a preventable disease. Attacking the problem through an organized and coordinated effort can save lives and reduce the incidence of hepatitis and other blood borne diseases. Education is key to promoting prevention. Effective teaching tools are available for children, adolescents, parents, healthcare providers, and those who participate in high risk behaviors.

For information about HFI’s Train the Trainer Program on Liver Wellness and Prevention of Hepatitis and Substance Abuse, call 800-891-0707.