Liver Disease: Policy Impact and Need

The complexity of liver disease -- widespread lack of awareness of liver diseases, their risk factors and prevention strategies; the often unrealized onset leading to often-too-late diagnosis; stigma and discrimination faced by patients; need for well-coordinated medical care and social services; need for more effective treatments and cures; significant current and future financial impact on individuals, businesses and government, and lack of a national data surveillance system -- makes necessary a comprehensive, multi-dimensional public health policy agenda that addresses patient services and research that focus on maximizing health outcomes and the elimination of liver disease.

There are 100 liver diseases. An estimated 30 million individuals it he US have liver disease. An estimated 5.4 million are infected with viral hepatitis and 65,000 will be newly infected this year. Chronic viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplantation; it will cause an estimated 15,000 deaths. The projected cost of viral hepatitis is more than $85 billion. The total impact of all liver diseases is exponentially greater. The American Liver Foundation directs local, state and federal advocacy efforts that address patient services and research needs to decrease liver disease impact.

A comprehensive public health policy agenda that addresses the many and significant issues affecting liver disease patients and the general public will identify meaningful solutions that improve the lives of people affected by liver disease and prevent devastating future public health impact. This session will discuss ALF's collaborative advocacy efforts and outcomes.