Bucks County executive honored for national advocacy on behalf of healthcare workers and medical students fighting against discrimination
On July 25, World Hepatitis Day, the Viral Hepatitis Action Coalition of
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation honored Joan M. Block,
RN, BSN, executive director of the Hepatitis B Foundation for bringing
incidents of discrimination of hepatitis B-infected healthcare workers
and medical students to the attention of the U.S. government. Also
honored was Anna S. Lok, M.D., F.R.C.P., director of Clinical Hepatology
at the University of Michigan Health System, with whom Block has worked
for many years in counseling HBV-infected students, and together they
approached the CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) for help. As a
result of their combined efforts, hepatitis B is now an officially
recognized disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
“With the help of many people and organizations such as the Department
of Justice, we are very pleased that hepatitis B is now a recognized
disability. It is important that healthcare providers and medical
students who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B do not face
discrimination,” said Block. “As we continue to devote time and research
to combating this disease, it is wonderful to receive recognition for
our strides. I accept the award on behalf of the Hepatitis B Foundation
and the people we serve.”
Read complete press release hereLabels: ADA, disability, discrimination, Joan Block