“Hepatitis Awareness Day” celebrated at Tim Harmon Run at Fairfax County Government Center; Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau to race once again

Celebrating “Hepatitis Awareness Day,” the 10th Annual “Tim Harmon 5K Run/Walk” was once again held at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax, Virginia. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Alcohol and Drug Services program sponsors the event to raise awareness of Hepatitis C and substance abuse in the community and to honor the memory of Tim Harmon who served as Director of CSB Alcohol and Drug Services Residential Services. Tim, who was instrumental in the development of the Community Service Board’s substance abuse treatment services that exist today, died from Hepatitis C (HCV) in 1999. This event is a tribute to Tim and his work, and an effort to make a difference to people impacted by HCV.

Shown here in front of the Fairfax Government Center is Race Director (and race participant!) Peg Cook, who gave an impassionedspeech urging residents to increase their awareness of Hepatitis C and its impact on the health of the community. At ABRAMS LANDAU we have won disability cases for clients who have Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is the most prevalent liver disease in the United States. It is estimated that 35,000 people are infected with this virus each year. There is currently no vaccine for the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and medical treatment is limited and sometimes ineffective. Additional research for the treatment of and eventual cure for HCV is essential and prevention efforts are vital for a community response to this epidemic.

Over the years, the proceeds of the race have exceeded $100,000. The funds go to non-profit organizations which support substance abuse and hepatitis research, treatment, advocacy, support and education. For more information on Hepatitis C, you can contact the Virginia Hepatitis C hotline at 800-533-4148 or visit the Hepatitis Foundation Web site.