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Dear Public Service Diretor,
Approximately 3.2 million Americans are infected with chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is described as a silent disease, because many people infected do not know that they have the virus. In fact, 70-80 percent of those newly infected do not have any symptoms. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can damage the liver over time and lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and liver cancer.
You can help raise awareness and make a difference by supporting Tune In to Hep C, a national public health campaign created to help raise awareness of chronic hepatitis C, and encouraging your readers to visit TuneInToHepC.com to learn more about the disease. The Tune In to Hep C campaign was founded because – although chronic hepatitis C care is advancing – public understanding of the disease isn't moving at nearly the same pace. The campaign is a joint effort by Merck and The American Liver Foundation, featuring GRAMMY® winners Gregg Allman, Natalie Cole and Jon Secada, a Cuban-American recording artist and songwriter who is also the campaign's newest ambassador. He has released a string of hits in both English and Spanish and has sold more than 20 million albums since his self-titled debut album in 1992.
The American Liver Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is a national nonprofit promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation provides research, education and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases, including hepatitis. Chronic liver disease disproportionately affects Hispanics and Jon Secada knows this all too well. Jon lost his father to complications associated with chronic hepatitis C in 2011; although he had been diagnosed for years, Jon's father never gave his condition the attention it deserved. He waited too long to do something about his disease and chose to keep his diagnosis a secret for more than a decade Like many Hispanic Americans, Jon's family is very close family, but they rarely took the time to discuss their health.
As a part of the campaign, Jon Secada is inspired to share his story to spread awareness and support others in taking action against chronic hepatitis C in an informative public service announcement. Everyone's story is different but Jon's message is clear: You can't be silent with a silent disease. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider so you know your options and talk to your family because they want to be there for you. Don't wait to take action.
We encourage you to help educate your readers about chronic hepatitis C by considering running this PSA, featuring Jon Secada. Jon shares his story and encourages listeners to talk to their doctors about their options and to visit TuneInToHepC.com for more information. This PSA can be used through the end of 2012.
We have provided a copy below of the PSA for your review and can also accommodate requests for custom sizes. Below is a reply form for your response regarding your interest in the information.
If you have any questions or need further information regarding the PSAs, please contact our distribution representative, Lauren Bachner, at WestGlen Communications (lbachner@westglen.com or 800-325-8677 ext. 265).
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this public service message.
Please download the PSA reply form to request specific sizing, coloring, and delivery method here.
"The way I see it, doing nothing is not an option."