This unprecedented campaign began in 2007, with the objective to screen, vaccinate, and treat all San Francisco Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents for hepatitis B by providing convenient, free or low-cost testing opportunities at partnering health facilities and events.
San Francisco's API residents comprise 34% of the city's population and bear a disproportionate burden of liver cancer and undetected hepatitis B infection.
Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Supervisor Ed Jew lead the effort, partnering with more than 50 healthcare and Asian Pacific Islander (API) organizations.
[citation needed] Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco Medical Center was asked to present the first Hep B conferences.
Gayle Akins, Kaiser Permanente CME department produced the accredited conferences on Hepatitis B for physicians, allied health professionals, community organizations and the public.