As Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off last week, the Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation flashes back to share some of the organization’s slate of activities over the recent seasons that included two Latino-focused healthcare initiatives in the forefront of its year-round commitment to the battle against hepatitis.

ADRLF joined fellow New York City leaders and other Health Organizations at the Annual NYC Viral Hepatitis Awareness Press Conference at City Hall that took place on May 15th to recognize National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day. During his speech, Treasurer and Founding Board Member, Dr. Carlos Ortiz stressed the fact that viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer in the US; and he emphasized, by not hesitating to screen and vaccinate, one can prevent the disease.  The sprinkling rain did not damper spirits during the press conference; instead, it reinforced the collectives’ commitment of the life-saving message!

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes

When World Hepatitis Testing Day arrived on May 19^th, the Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation sprang into action to focus some of its attention on Latino youth, and its encircling community. ADRLF joined forces with committed partner, The William F. Ryan Community Health Network to hold a special event in pursuit of its mission to screen, vaccinate and educate underserved communities about Hepatitis B, as well as ‘Hepatitis A’ and ‘C’. The partners teamed up to provide free screenings and test results, as well as an informational forum at Boricua College in the Bronx.

For ADRLF and the Ryan Community Health Network, the impressive and forward-thinking Boricua College was a perfect fit. Founded in 1974 by Dr. Victor G. Alicea and a group of educational activists, Boricua College is the “first private four-year bilingual institution of higher education learning on the United States mainland developed by Puerto Ricans and dedicated to educating Latinos.” It still employs a largely bilingual faculty that caters to adult and working students and prides itself in non-traditional educational enrichment. With campuses now in three boroughs, President Alicea presides over the dynamic college that remains proud of its commitment to community service within the context of Latino-focused higher learning initiatives and outreach.

While testing was simultaneously happening in a private designated room, Clinician Geraldine Joseph (R-PAC, The Ryan Center), led an informative hepatitis awareness workshop, outlining key points: from populations at risk, to risky activities to preventative measures. There was a lively interactive Q&A afterwards, where students and staff raised concerns about the serious virus, including: risk factors, the probability of infection and and its impact. Knowledge is power. A recent goal in particular of ADRLF is to explore and raise awareness around the risk factors associated with tattoos and unsafe tattoo parlors, particularly as it relates to current trends in particular populations. At Boricua, safeness around ink-culture became a key topic that sparked a range of questions. After, the testing and information session students and staff proudly took photos and offered to help spread the word!

Thanks to the Ryan Center’s Prevention and Education & Outreach Coordinator, Fay Barrett, and her dedicated team, those screened for hepatitis received their results within 20 minutes of testing. That is how simple this process is! And that is why you should: Screen, Vaccinate. Don’t Hesitate.

ADRLF and the Ryan Community Health Network are proud to report: fifteen students in total were tested. And, including those, twenty showed up to the event learn about hepatitis, its risks, prevention, and testing. It was a successful day, all-around.

Beyond that, the event marked another milestone in the expanding collaboration between the Ryan Community Health Network and the Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation. Emmy-winning television star and ADRLF Founding Board Member, Carson Kressley, presented the Ryan Health Networks (recently retired) President and CEO Barbra E. Minch with a donation of $5,000 to support future testing and vaccinations for hepatitis.

All who were there were inspired to actively participate in a day of great social impact. The collegiate screening and educational event marked a first in making an impact within a university setting. It promises to be one of many to come! The entire ADRLF Board is proud and thrilled that it happened first in the Bronx!

While World Hepatitis Month has come and gone, Liver Awareness Month quickly approaches in October and overlaps with Hispanic Heritage Month. Regardless of the month, day, or time — handling your health is a year round commitment!  Don’t forget to get screened during your next visit to your health care provider! We repeat: Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t Hesitate…Educate!  

*Stay tuned to ADRLF to see how you can make a difference for yourself and others throughout this season!