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In this Issue:

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Advocacy in Washington, DC can be a harrowing experience.  Fortunately, the American Liver Foundation had all their ducks in order. The process was professionally organized with the availability of one-on-one coaching provided to participants needing it. This made for a rewarding and enjoyable time regardless of the bitter cold weather. Of course it always helps when the California Congressional members are sympathetic to the vast majority of healthcare issues and provide a welcoming atmosphere to those of us advocating for the cause. It amazes me how informed, interested and well versed the Congressional Aides are on healthcare issues. It is also amazing how young they are!

The Western Region delegation had the benefit of having Lori Plutchak, from our Division Board of Directors, who conveyed an amazing story of diagnosis and recovery. She is a true asset to the advocacy effort. We were accompanied by a staff person from ALF and another advocate from LA. The focus of our visits centered on the FY2019 Legislative Priorities: Research on Liver Disease; Patient Access and Treatments; and, Public Health Awareness. We were able to include support for issues germane in any proposal for reform of the healthcare system: No discrimination for those with pre-existing conditions; No life-time/annual caps on benefits; Ensuring that dependents can remain on family coverage until age 26; and, Improving out-of-pocket cost issues for patients.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this advocacy effort. I learned a great deal about the needs of those with Liver Disease. The personal stories were uplifting, educational and strengthened my personal commitment.

Terry Cunningham
President, Board of Directors
American Liver Foundation Pacific Coast Division

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Celebrating Donate Life Month!

The American Liver Foundation in collaboration with Lifesharing, American Heart and American Stroke Association, National Kidney Foundation, American Diabetes Association and American Lung Association is throwing a Re-Birthday Celebration to Honor those Touched by Organ Donation on April 6, 2018.  April is National Donate Life Month.  Celebrated in April each year, National Donate Life Month features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors to celebrate those that saved lives through the gift of donation.

Please register to be an organ and tissue donor HERE.

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The Sip 'n Savor Festival is just 4 DAYS away!  Don't forget to get your tickets before the event sells out!  The Sip ‘n Savor festival Presented by the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego will offer attendees the opportunity to sample and learn about featured restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests will enjoy complimentary bites provided by local restaurants and music from local bands, all while raising awareness and funds for the American Liver Foundation. Sip 'n Savor will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel's outdoor rooftop terrace, Woodstock.

Get your tickets HERE and use promo code SDVILLE and save $6 on tickets!  To check out a full list of participants visit our website HERE

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Meet New Board Member, Tim Carter!

Tim Carter was voted onto the American Liver Foundation’s Pacific Coast Division Board of Directors in March of this year.  He is the Director of the Alternative Funding Solution/Employee Benefits Division with Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency, LLC.  Tim brings a great deal of experience and passion to the board.  He has a strong knowledge of Hepatitis C and liver transplants, primarily from the self-insured company’s perspective.   He has a great deal of experience in employee benefits with a successful record providing programs to public and private employers.

Tim’s background allows him to look at an issue from many angles and identify solutions.  He is passionate about helping employers manage their benefits and total rewards programs.  Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency, LLC is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world.  The ‘payer’ perspective is a new skill set being added to ALF’s Board.

He holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Management from University of Saint Thomas and degrees from University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.  Welcome Tim!

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San Diego Hepatitis A Outbreak

On January 23, 2018, the County ended the local health emergency, declared on September 1, 2017, in response to the local Hepatitis A outbreak.  The action does not mean the outbreak is over, and the County will continue efforts it has taken to control the spread of the disease.

Anyone who received their first hepatitis vaccination before mid-September, 2017 should get a second dose now to complete the series and assure long-term protection.  Although the first dose of the vaccine is considered to be around 95 percent effective, that protection will eventually begin to decrease and a second shot boosts immunity for between 20 and 40 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Efforts of the County and its community partners to halt the hepatitis A outbreak focus on three key areas: vaccination, sanitation and education.

Reprinted from Health & Human Services Agency-County of San Diego Website.

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We have many wonderful ways and great reasons to get involved with the American Liver Foundation and give back to the community while making new friends at the same time!
Below are current opportunities available with the Pacific Coast Division.

Weekly Office Volunteer
Liver Life Walk San Diego Volunteer

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ALF is pleased to highlight the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).  Their mission is to conduct effective advocacy for public policies that encourage the discovery of important, new medicines for patients by biopharmaceutical research companies.  PhRMA is convening a conversation called Let’s Talk About Cost, which takes a broad look at the complex issue of the cost of medicines, exploring the slowdown in medicine cost growth, the rising cost of chronic disease, insurance coverage of medicine, the role of middlemen, and what their industry can do to make medicine more affordable for patients.  You can find more information HERE. 

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Tell Congress to Protect Vital Patient Assistance Programs

Many of our nation's most vulnerable patients are being forced off their insurance plans and need your help.  Due to a federal policy, insurers in 41 states are denying coverage to Americans living with devastating - and expensive - diseases simply because they receive assistance from charities.  Please urge your lawmakers to cosponsor H.R. 3976, commonsense legislation that would stop insurers from discriminating against patients with expensive conditions, and effectively creating 'the new pre-existing condition.'  Nearly three-quarters of a million Americans receive support from charities - support which can often mean the difference between life and death. These patients need your help to ensure this vital lifeline can continue.
 
Tell your members of Congress now to protect life-saving charity assistance.  Send you letter electronically by linking HERE.  

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Follow the Pacific Coast Division today!
 
                                

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Thank You To Our Sponsors

Sip 'n Savor San Deigo

Liver Life Walk San Diego

American Liver Foundation
5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121
(619) 291-5483

Call the HelpLine at
1-800-GO-LIVER (465-4837)
M-F / 9AM - 7PM EST
LiverFoundation.org