Hep B Free Initiative Expands to Unite Advocates Nationwide in the Fight Against Hepatitis B

Hep B Free Initiative Expands to Unite Advocates Nationwide

On July 28, 2025, coinciding with World Hepatitis Day, SF Hep B Free - Bay Area, a prominent grassroots organization known for its advocacy and education on hepatitis B and liver cancer prevention, officially transitioned to a new name: Hep B Free. This evolution marks a significant commitment to unify and empower hepatitis B advocates across the United States and beyond.

Richard So, the Executive Director of Hep B Free, emphasized the critical importance of their mission: "Hepatitis B is a silent killer, affecting nearly two million people in the U.S. and causing thousands of preventable deaths every year. Globally, hepatitis B deaths are on the rise, with an estimated 1.2 million deaths attributed to the virus in 2022. It’s imperative that we act now to raise awareness and implement real change, especially in light of the recent public health challenges we are facing in America."

This rebranding is not just about a new name; it's a bold step towards a broader impact. While Hep B Free continues to innovate and support local efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area, the organization aims to extend its influence by providing communities nationwide with effective tools, resources, and strategies to enhance hepatitis B education, testing, and access to care.

One of the key initiatives under this new direction is the establishment of the Hep B Free Network, a national collaborative effort designed to accelerate the development of local programs focused on hepatitis B awareness and prevention. With nearly two decades of experience, Hep B Free is committing up to $100,000 over the next two years to support ten community organizations in adopting the Hep B Free model. The first partners in this initiative include Hep B Free LA and Hep B Free Arizona, marking a significant step toward nationwide collaboration.

Through the Hep B Free Network, participating organizations will benefit from access to strategic support, shared learning experiences, and ready-to-use tools meant to mobilize their communities effectively. This cooperative approach aims to promote immediate and sustainable action against hepatitis B at a local level.

In an exciting move to further amplify the message, Hep B Free announced the launch of HepBNow, a new digital platform dedicated to education, advocacy, and community engagement. Developed in partnership with CollabHealth Solutions, HepBNow is designed to enhance the Hep B Free Network's capabilities to address barriers in hepatitis B prevention and treatment.

The organization is actively inviting community-based groups interested in enhancing hepatitis B awareness and education to collaborate with Hep B Free. By leveraging the resources and expertise of Hep B Free, these organizations can better connect with their communities and drive impactful change.

About Hep B Free

Hep B Free, formerly known as SF Hep B Free - Bay Area, is a leading grassroots nonprofit committed to improving hepatitis B care and liver cancer prevention. The organization's mission encompasses raising awareness, providing education, and linking individuals to care—along with efforts to eliminate stigma and barriers to hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment. Through community engagement, national collaborations, and scalable digital solutions, Hep B Free envisions a future free of hepatitis B and liver cancer.

Media Inquiries

For more information, media inquiries, or to learn how to get involved with Hep B Free, please visit hepbfree.net. You can also reach out to Richard So, Executive Director, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (650) 804-0021.

The expansion of the Hep B Free initiative represents not just a rebranding, but a revitalized and urgent call to action in the ongoing battle against hepatitis B. More than ever, the organization aims to mobilize communities, foster collaboration, and improve health outcomes across the nation.