Hep Free Hawai'i

Hep Free Hawai'i (HFH) is a collaborative effort among doctors, community activists, and non-profit organizations to increase awareness of, testing, and treatment for hepatitis and other liver diseases in Hawai'i. Hawaii has the highest rate of liver cancer in the U.S., a direct result of the disproportionately high rate of hepatitis infection in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population in Hawaii. By targeting the high risk Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population, HFH helps to decrease liver cancer rates in Hawaii through early detection and treatment of hepatitis. HFH coordinates a grass roots campaign along with a print, radio, and television media campaign in order to raise awareness of its vaccination and testing events. By promoting itself to the community prior to outreach events, HFH helps increase attendance and participation in its programs.

The goal of Hep Free Hawai'i is to offer hepatitis vaccinations, encourage Hawaiians to learn of their hepatitis status through testing, and connect individuals with hepatitis or liver disease to medical resources and support groups.

Since its inception in April 2011, HFH has held numerous events around Hawaii and was recognized as a promising practice by the Chronic Disease Management and Control Branch of the Hawaii Department of Health. On World Hepatitis Day in 2011, HFH helped test 140 individuals, identifying ten individuals who were positive with hepatitis but unaware of their infection. Through partnerships with local health organizations, including the Hawai'i immunization Coalition and the Department of Health, HFH has helped increase awareness of hepatitis, provided testing, and encouraged individuals with hepatitis to seek treatment and support from their healthcare providers.