Building a coalition to coordinate and leverage an under-funded health initiative: The New York City Hepatitis B Coalition

Background: The New York City Hepatitis B Coalition was co-founded in 2009 by NYC's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Viral Hepatitis Coordination and New York University's B Free CEED: National Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Hepatitis B Disparities, bringing together experts, advocates, and other community partners to address high HBV prevalence rates in NYC. Methods: To create the Coalition, the OVHC and B Free CEED identified key stakeholders in the NYC HBV community to participate in the Coalition planning group. A web-based survey was developed and sent to 60 NYC organizations involved with HBV services to identify their priority areas. Results: Priorities identified included education, training, and outreach (43%), care and treatment (23%), and screening and vaccination (22%). Coalition activities were organized around these priorities. A website was created to disseminate information to members and bimonthly coalition meetings held. The coalition worked towards broad-based goals such as planning World Hepatitis Day, and meeting with NYC legislators and policy makers, including the NYC Health Commissioner. Discussion: Creating a coalition with government, academic institutions, private industry, hospitals and clinics, and community-based organizations is challenging and time-consuming. However, it has benefited all parties to network, share resources, identify community needs, and work towards common policy interests. However, working towards prevention and management of HBV continues to present challenges as HBV affects a largely marginalized and silent immigrant population. Minimal funding is available to improve services and raise awareness. Currently the coalition is conducting an evaluation of its effectiveness.