On June 10, ASPPH proudly joined public health and medical leaders for a Congressional Briefing on the Hepatitis C Elimination Imperative. Hosted by the Hepatitis C Elimination Coalition, the event marked the introduction of the bipartisan Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who spoke at the briefing. The bill outlines a bold national strategy to eliminate hepatitis C through expanded screening, curative treatments, and a cost-saving subscription-based model.

The event brought together policymakers, clinicians, individuals cured of hepatitis C, and public health leaders to emphasize the bill’s potential to transform outcomes for millions and save billions in healthcare costs.

The panel featured diverse voices from across the hepatitis C landscape, including singer/songwriter and Hep C survivor Barbara Martin; Rebekah Gee, MD, MPH, CEO of Nest Health and a national hepatitis C elimination leader; Jennifer Havens, PhD, MPH, professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine; and Dziko Singleton, test counselor at Health Brigade’s Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program. Despite their varied backgrounds and experiences, each panelist echoed a shared message: the urgency of breaking down barriers to treatment access and ending the stigma that continues to surround hepatitis C.

ASPPH is proud to be a co-sponsor of this initiative and will continue to advocate for the bill’s passing and remains committed to advancing efforts that address major public health challenges through evidence-based, equitable policy solutions. Please urge your members of Congress to endorse this bill.