Global Liver Institute Applauds U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez’ Reintroduction of The Liver Illness, Visibility, Education and Research Act (LIVER Act)
(Washington, D.C., May 31, 2024) – Global Liver Institute applauds U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) for reintroducing this vital legislation to improve the lives of all people impacted by liver disease. GLI was proud to collaborate in the development of The Liver Illness, Visibility, Education and Research Act (LIVER Act), first introduced in 2018.
“With rising rates of liver cancer, fatty liver disease and new opportunities to prevent and treat viral hepatitis, the time is now for Congress to Act,” shares Donna R. Cryer, Founder and CEO of GLI and 29-year liver transplant recipient. “Through Rep. Velazquez’ leadership, and her reintroduction of the LIVER Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, we can move the field forward and shift the conversation to shine a spotlight on liver cancer and liver health disparities.”
The need for urgent Congressional action becomes evident when we consider that since 1980, the incidence of liver cancer in the United States has tripled, and death rates have nearly doubled. These concerns are further amplified when we consider the enduring racial and ethnic liver cancer health disparities that we have sought to eliminate for years, including:
- Among Asian Americans, chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death;
- African American/black men are 60 percent more likely to have liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct (IBD) cancer and to die from this disease as compared to non-Hispanic white men;
- Among the Hispanic/Latino population, chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death;
- American Indian/Alaska Native women are 2.3 times more likely to have, and 2.2 times as likely to die from, liver & IBD cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white women.
Liver cancer disparities reflect the interplay amongst many factors, including social determinants of health, behavior and genetics. Yet, according to the American Cancer Society, up to 70% of liver cancer cases could be prevented by increased uptake of hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis C cures, and lifestyle management and development of treatments for fatty liver disease.
The LIVER Act rightfully acts as a crucial first step towards addressing many of these factors. With the reintroduction, we now need your help to urge other Members of Congress to cosponsor the bill, urge action within Congressional committees, and support their inclusion in other legislation. As we celebrate Hepatitis Awareness Month in May, and look forward to Global Fatty Liver Day on June 13, 2024, and Liver Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are excited to pledge GLI’s support to double the five-year survival rate for liver cancer.
GLI urges liver advocates to reach out here to their Members of the House of Representatives to support this critical legislation!
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org. Learn more about the Liver Health is Public Health program here.