Health Department Awarded $1 Million from California Department of Public Health for Hepatitis B Screening, Vaccination and Linkage to Care

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to enhance care around and reduce the occurrence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) among at-risk populations throughout the city.

As one of two grantees for the Hepatitis B Demonstration Project Grants and the first and only local health jurisdiction to receive this funding in California, Long Beach will enhance existing hepatitis B services by providing the following resources to the community:

• Hepatitis B virus screening
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Linkage to hepatitis B care

The project will prioritize serving communities impacted by or at risk of HBV infection, with a focus on Long Beach's Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, as well as those with history of substance use. Aligned with California's public health goals and the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan, the initiative intends to reduce acute hepatitis B infection rates and enhance care for affected individuals. This project helps advance the collective effort towards eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The Health Department remains committed in using these funds to serve its residents and looks forward to the opportunities associated with hepatitis B prevention and care.

More information on how residents can receive these services will be provided at a later date.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 or [email protected].

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