May 01, 2026
WHEREAS, viral hepatitis is an infection that primarily affects the liver. Long-term illness with viral hepatitis can cause liver damage, liver disease and liver cancer; and,
WHEREAS, two common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis B and hepatitis C – people with viral hepatitis can spread it to others even if they don’t feel sick; and,
WHEREAS, hepatitis B spreads when blood or bodily fluids from an infected person, even in small amounts, enter the body of someone who is not infected; and,
WHEREAS, hepatitis C is spread when blood from an infected person, even in small amounts, enters the body of someone who is not infected; and,
WHEREAS, a person living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C can infect their infant during pregnancy and childbirth; and,
WHEREAS, hepatitis B vaccination is safe, effective and the best way to prevent infection and complications. All infants, children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated, adults 19-59, and adults 60 and older with risk factors should get vaccinated to protect against hepatitis B. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C; and,
WHEREAS, administering hepatitis B vaccine and, when indicated, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 24 hours of birth is highly effective in preventing perinatal transmission; and,
WHEREAS, hepatitis viruses can be detected through simple blood tests. Without a blood test, a person with viral hepatitis may never know they are infected because there are often no symptoms; and,
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening among all adults at least once in their lifetime, during every pregnancy, and among people with risk factors. People with ongoing risk factors should get periodic hepatitis B and C testing, and anyone who wants to be tested for hepatitis B or C should receive it; and,
WHEREAS, there are medications available to treat hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the We Treat Hep C Initiative in 2021 to make hepatitis C treatment virtually free for all Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries. Enrollees, regardless of their history of substance use or liver damage, can be cured of hepatitis C by their health care provider. To locate a hepatitis C treatment provider, visit Michigan.gov/WeTreatHepC; and,
WHEREAS, this month, together with MDHHS, we encourage vaccination, testing and treatment to prevent, detect and eliminate viral hepatitis in Michigan;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19, 2026, as Hepatitis Testing Day in Michigan.
