The Hepatitis Appropriations Partnership (HAP), Hep B United (HBU), and National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) are pleased to announce Hepatitis on the Hill to be held in Washington, DC on March 6-8, 2016! Hepatitis on the Hill is a constituent-based advocacy event focused on hepatitis B and C federal policy issues and sharing the experiences of people living with hepatitis B and C. Over the course of these two days, attendees will take part in a full and engaging schedule intended to increase the federal response to the viral hepatitis epidemics in the United States! 

Participants are invited to participate in a Hill visit training webinar (date/time TBD). The webinar will include an overview of hepatitis advocacy history, Hill visit logistics, and information to consider prior to arriving in Washington, DC. After arriving in Washington, DC on March, 6th, attendees will receive additional information and training, as well as an opportunity to network with other advocates. Please note areas in which you would like more training in the scholarship/registration forms.

On March 8th, we’ll head to Capitol Hill! In small teams, participants will visit their Senators and/or House Representative to educate their staff on the experiences of people living with hepatitis B and C. This will include providing information on hepatitis B and C in their state, and specific “asks” for increased leadership and resources to address the viral hepatitis epidemics in the United States.

This is an exciting time for individuals working to prevent, treat, and cure hepatitis! With effective and safe HBV vaccines and new HCV treatments with impressive cure rates, we can eliminate both of these viruses in the United States! Unfortunately, without Congressional support for significant increases in funding for prevention, screening and vaccination, linkage to care and treatment, and surveillance infrastructure, rates in both hepatitis B and C will continue to increase.

That is why it is so important for your Members of Congress to hear from YOU -- why hepatitis matters to you, and why it should be a national priority! While Washington politics may seem frustrating and far-removed from everyday life, your voice really does make a difference!

Up to 50 travel scholarships will be available. Priority for scholarships will be given to individuals living with hepatitis B and/or C (including those who have been cured), those from key congressional districts, and those representing disproportionately affected communities.  The deadline for scholarship applications is January 15, 2016. Unfortunately we are not able to provide scholarships to everyone, so we encourage participants who can provide their own travel and accommodations to join us for this important event.