UPDATED:  October 29, 2011 10:04 PM
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Dr. Howard Koh Keynotes Hepatitis B Initiative Gala

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary Howard K. Koh, speaking at the Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington D.C. awards gala, announced that the U.S. HHS Department launched last May “its first-ever action plan to prevent and treat viral hepatitis.”

He noted the silent epidemic affects as many as 5.3 million Americans. He said the Department needs the help of HBI, and also the community, to address the silent killer “in a unified fashion across the country.” One out of ten Asian Americans is afflicted with Hepatitis B.

Dr. Koh was presented the National “B” a Hero Award by HBI Executive Director Jane Pan. He was introduced as an HBI friend who is a top official “on the national level” in a policy-making position.

Dr. Koh oversees 14 core public health offices–including the Office of the Surgeon General and the U.S. Public Health Service Corps–as well as 10 regional health offices nationwide, and also ten presidential and secretarial advisory committees.

Other “Hero” awardees were Dr. Sang Tran, Dr. Mark Li, Dr. James Suh, Dr. Benson Yu and Cr. Chan-Hing Ma Ho.

The 2nd annual benefit gala took place on October 23 at China Garden Restaurant, located in Rossyln, Virginia. ABC7/WJLA TV and NewsChannel 8 Kathy Park emceed the event.

Immediate Past HBI Chair Jennifer Lee gave the welcome remarks, as did HBI Founders Leslie Hsu and Thomas Oh. HBI-DC volunteer John Moon related a personal story about his brother who lost his battle against Stage 4 liver cancer. Ms. Pan thanked Dr. Koh for the HHS action plan “and for your leadership,” the other “Hero” awardees, and also the event officers and volunteers.

Two dance numbers were provided by the Pilipino American Cultural Arts Society performers. Camilla Ng and John Jerz performed the rumba and tango.

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