Bipartisan Cure Hepatitis C Act Introduced in the House

On Tuesday, bipartisan legislation to eliminate hepatitis C in the United States was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. ASPPH applauds Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for introducing the Cure Hepatitis C Act, which would expand access to screening, curative treatment, and coordinated public health efforts. The legislation represents an important step toward eliminating one of the nation's most preventable chronic infectious diseases. Board Chair and Dean of the Iowa School of Public Health Edith Parker, DrPH, MPH, played an integral role in working with Rep. Miller-Meeks to have this bill introduced.

More than 2.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Although highly effective oral medications can cure more than 95 percent of patients in just 8 to 12 weeks, many individuals remain undiagnosed or are unable to access treatment, contributing to approximately 40 deaths each day from hepatitis C-related complications.

ASPPH, a founding member of the Hepatitis C Elimination Coalition, joined more than 120 national organizations in supporting the legislation. The coalition has worked closely with congressional leaders to advance a comprehensive, bipartisan strategy that expands testing and treatment, establishes a coordinated national response, and reduces long-term health care costs.

"This legislation represents a rare opportunity to improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health care costs," said Tim Leshan, ASPPH Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer. "By investing in testing, treatment, and coordinated public health efforts today, Congress can prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation tomorrow while also strengthening our nation's public health infrastructure."

ASPPH looks forward to working with Congress and coalition partners to advance this bipartisan legislation and help achieve the shared goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health threat while improving the health of communities nationwide.