Whereas, It is estimated that 4 million Americans and 180,000 Michigan residents have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV); and,

Whereas, 75 to 85 percent of individuals infected with HCV develop chronic infection, which can result in damage to the liver, end-stage liver disease, or death; and,

Whereas, It is estimated that treatment for HCV infected patients will exceed $13 billion by the year 2019; and,

Whereas, Through treatment of the disease approximately 50 percent of treated individuals may clear the virus from their bodies and for others risk of progression may be prevented or delayed through early detection and appropriate medical management; and,

Whereas, HCV is a blood-borne virus and infected individuals may transmit it to others, from mother to child during the birthing process, or through sexual contact,   occupational exposure to blood, or injection drug use; and,

Whereas, It is believed that the majority of people with HCV, including many infected through blood transfusions before 1992 or blood products produced before 1987, do not know they are infected, and many at high-risk for future infection are not aware of their risk, and may not be knowledgeable about ways to prevent the spread of this disease; and,

Whereas, Increased public awareness and education about HCV, and the provision of a continuum of hepatitis-related services, including prevention programs and testing and medical management/treatment programs, are needed to ensure the best possible health outcomes for individuals already infected with HCV and to prevent new infections; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2007 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in Michigan.