Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Hepatitis C Awareness Month in the State of New York
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 438 is a memorializing resolution that urges Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Hepatitis C Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution describes hepatitis C as a serious but often silent public health threat, noting that many infected people are unaware of their status because the disease can be asymptomatic. It cites statewide and national infection estimates, the burden of illness and death, and the high costs associated with treatment and long-term complications.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of education, testing, and prevention in the absence of a vaccine. It highlights New York’s role as a leader in hepatitis C awareness and testing policy, including the state’s law requiring one-time testing offers for people born between 1945 and 1965. It also points to increased risk among baby boomers and rising cases among younger adults linked to the opioid crisis, and calls on the public to learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Impact
Because this is a memorializing resolution, it does not amend the Public Health Law or create new regulatory requirements. Its legal effect is limited to formally requesting that the Governor issue a proclamation designating May 2025 as Hepatitis C Awareness Month and encouraging public education. The practical impact is to support awareness campaigns and reinforce existing hepatitis C testing and prevention efforts, especially among at-risk populations such as older adults, people affected by substance use, veterans, emergency responders, and health care workers.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment is strongly supportive and noncontroversial. The resolution frames hepatitis C awareness as an important public health issue and presents New York’s existing testing and outreach efforts in a positive light. No votes or committee transcripts are provided, but the text itself reflects a consensus-oriented public health message focused on education, prevention, and early diagnosis.
Contention
No explicit opposition or controversy is reflected in the available record. The only potentially sensitive policy themes are the emphasis on mandatory testing offers for certain age cohorts and the connection between rising infections and the opioid crisis, but the resolution does not propose new mandates or enforcement measures. As a result, there is no identified dispute among sponsors, committees, or voting members in the materials provided.