Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) led the charge today at a congressional hearing on Hepatitis C. calling on the federal government to step up its efforts to protect the public from this deadly disease.  Today in the United States, there are nearly 4 million people with hepatitis C.  While some people believe that the nation has turned the corner because new cases have decreased significantly, Towns cautioned against being lulled into a false sense of security.  

 "Some public health officials are warning that the numbers of deaths from this disease will triple in the next decade from the current estimate of 8-10,000 deaths per year to an incredible 24-30,000 deaths per year," Towns said at the hearing.  "Because the disease can be dormant for several years and only 25-30% of those infected have any symptoms, these estimates may be an understatement.

 "But I am hopeful that we will not have to see such an explosion before we take action." Towns added. 

 The disease has been felt the hardest in minority communities as blacks have the highest incidence rates, followed by Native Americans and Hispanics.

 Towns who first took action on this issue a decade ago introduced new legislation this Congress with Rep. Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico) to establish a comprehensive prevention, research and medical management referral program for persons suffering from hepatitis C.  If passed, Towns's bill would represent the first federal effort to provide a strategic approach to combat this disease by requiring the development and implementation of  a plan for  public education,  early detection and testing, and counseling for patients.  Towns says he plans to reintroduce the bill next Congress.

 "This time we had 44 cosponsors and I am confident that the more people learn about this program them more people will realize that we cannot afford not to act," Towns said. "The annual health care costs for the affected U.S. population with chronic hepatitis C may be as high as $9 billion.  This will only grow as more people become affected.  We have to take comprehensive steps to educate, treat and protect the public from this silent killer."

 Towns, who is a senior member of the House Committee on Government Reform, which held today's hearing, called on the chairman to hold further hearings on this important public health issue.

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