National Hepatitis Awareness Month
Test for hepatitis during National Hepatitis Awareness Month! Millions of Americans have hepatitis and don't know it. Testing and treatment prevent liver damage and save lives.
About National Hepatitis Awareness Month
Test for hepatitis during National Hepatitis Awareness Month! Millions of Americans have hepatitis and don't know it. Testing and treatment prevent liver damage and save lives.
History & origins
National Hepatitis Awareness Month is observed each May in the United States to spotlight viral hepatitis A, B, and C and encourage testing, vaccination, and treatment. CDC materials show the observance dates back to at least 1991, when May was already being marked as Hepatitis Awareness Month, but the exact origin and first organizer are not clearly documented. The month is closely tied to public health efforts by the CDC and partner organizations, with May 19 recognized as Hepatitis Testing Day.
Why it matters
Hepatitis can damage the liver silently for years, so awareness campaigns help people learn their risk and get tested before serious complications develop. It also matters because hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines, and hepatitis C is now curable in many cases, making early action highly effective.
How to celebrate
Get tested for hepatitis. Learn about hepatitis types. Get vaccinated. Support liver health. Share testing importance.
Facts
- Over 4 million Americans have hepatitis
- Many people don't know they're infected
- Hepatitis vaccines prevent infection
- Early treatment prevents liver disease
- Hepatitis C is now curable
Frequently asked questions
When is National Hepatitis Awareness Month in 2026?
National Hepatitis Awareness Month in 2026 is observed throughout May 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Hepatitis Awareness Month?
It is a public health observance focused on raising awareness about hepatitis and the importance of testing, vaccination, and treatment. The goal is to reduce liver disease, liver cancer, and preventable infections.
Who started National Hepatitis Awareness Month?
The exact founder is unclear. CDC records show the observance was already established by 1991, but public sources do not clearly identify a single person or group that first created it.
How do you celebrate National Hepatitis Awareness Month?
You can get tested for hepatitis, learn the differences between hepatitis A, B, and C, and check whether vaccination is recommended for you. Sharing information about liver health and encouraging others to seek screening are also practical ways to participate.
Is National Hepatitis Awareness Month official?
It is a public health observance, not a federal holiday. In the United States, it is promoted mainly through health agencies and awareness campaigns rather than through time off or a holiday status.
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