FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2008

Media Contact:
ASHA Media Relations
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Fred Wyand
(919) 361 - 3124 (voice)
(919) 361 - 8425 (fax)
Aner Barriola
(919) 361-8452 (voice)
mediarelations@ashastd.org

Hepatitis Education Website Available for Men Who have Sex with Men
New Resource Designed to Increase Rates of Hepatitis Vaccination

RTP, NC-- The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is very pleased to announce the launch of an online Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C Education Website for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM). The website was funded by and developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Hepatitis is a preventable disease caused by a virus that damages the liver. It is transmitted from one person to another in different ways depending on the type of hepatitis. In some cases it causes acute or short-term infections while in other instances it causes chronic or long-term infections. While people from any background may be at risk for hepatitis, the disease disproportionately impacts MSM.

This new website, which was developed with extensive feedback from MSM, offers visitors comprehensive information regarding transmission, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis A, B, and C. In addition to boosting awareness among the MSM online community about the risk factors for hepatitis, this resource seeks to increase intentions among this population to engage in safer sex practices and to receive hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.

Visit the website for more information.

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1914 to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on educating about and preventing sexually transmitted infections. ASHA's educational web sites include: www.ASHAstd.org , www.iwannaknow.org (teen site), and www.quierosaber.org (Spanish language teen site).