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[PA-10] A Georgia Partnership to Evaluate and Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Among First Generation Asian American FamiliesSoomy Lee, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc., Doraville, GA
S. Lee, C. Kim, Center for Pan-Asian Community Service, Inc. (CPACS);
R. Neeman, K. Arnold,
12 Georgia Division of Public Health
Before universal HBV immunization of infants began in 1992, high infection rates continued among U.S.-born children of Asian refugees. The effectiveness of current prevention programs has not been measured in this population, and may be limited by language or cultural barriers or poor access to health care. CPACS is a non-profit organization seeking to create comprehensive social and health services to counteract immigrant, refugee and minority problems in the Asian American communities of Georgia. Since November 2000, we have partnered with the Georgia Division of Public Health and CDC to investigate the effectiveness of current HBV programs to prevent HBV infection among first generation Asian immigrant/refugee families.
Families that enroll receive information about HBV, serologic testing, HBV vaccination, and referral to liver specialists if needed. Enrollment requires informed consent, which is available in 6 languages (English, Korean, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, or Chinese-Mandarin). A study coordinator collects serum, demographic information and vaccination records, explains testing results, and provides vaccine. Translation services and community outreach are conducted by CPACS, data collection, coordination, and HBV vaccine are provided by the State Health Department, and study personnel and equipment are funded by CDC. Data collection to evaluate the current public health program is ongoing. This partnership currently provides outreach and education to high- risk communities, and access to free services for participating families.
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Date: July 10-12, 2002
Location: Hilton Hotel & Towers, Washington, DC
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health / Office of Public Health and Science
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