The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is offering screenings on Hepatitis Testing Day, Thursday, May 19, at two health department locations.

Hepatitis screening and testing services are offered at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis without an appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:

• 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St Petersburg
• 8751 Ulmerton Rd., Largo

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic, lifelong infections which can lead to liver cancer. Millions of Americans are living with these chronic conditions, but many do not know they’re infected; man can be infected for decades without symptoms or illness. Lifesaving treatments are available for chronic hepatitis B and new treatments are available that can cure hepatitis C. Getting tested is the only way to know if someone is infected.

“Baby Boomers have the highest rates of hepatitis C infection and never think they might be infected,” said Dr. Ulyee Choe, DOH-Pinellas’ director. “Early detection can save lives, so we encourage anyone born between 1945 and 1965 to get tested.”

Hepatitis Program services include education, screening, vaccinations, counseling and referral for care. For more information, call the Hepatitis Program Coordinator, (727) 824-6932.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or call (727) 824-6900.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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