World TB Day Forum “I Am Stopping TB – A Disease Without Borders”

World TB Day Forum
"I Am Stopping TB - A Disease Without Borders"
Saturday, March 15 2008

Los Angeles, CA - BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA), in conjunction with TB Coalition partners, convenes a forum to discuss the state of Tuberculosis (TB) in Los Angeles County. Attendees will hear the testimonial of a TB patient, learn about myths surrounding TB in various cultural groups, services available for those infected with TB, and the tools necessary to help community members each do their part to help stop TB in L.A. County.

Featuring an address by State Senator Mark Ridley Thomas, this forum will be attended by health and community organizations serving at-risk populations, and the general public. Also highlighted are organizations that provide health services and information for low-income individuals. World TB Day registration is free and open to the public.

A recently published report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the growing concerns surrounding Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) TB. WHO estimates there are nearly half a million new cases of MDR-TB--about 5% of the total nine million new TB cases--worldwide each year. At the same time, while cases of MDR TB have increased worldwide, and as the threat of MDR TB being used as a bioterrorism agent becomes clear, funding to help fight TB has been dramatically cut here in L.A. County. This forum will address how you can help.

Who: Address by Senator Mark Ridley Thomas; representation from: Council of Black Nurses, UCLA School of Public Health, American Lung Association of California, as well as community experts representing: African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, HIV/AIDS, Homeless & Substance Abuse

What: World TB Day Forum: "I Am Stopping TB - A Disease Without Borders"

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008, Free Continental Breakfast and Registration 8 am: Forum 9 am-12pm

Where: California African American Museum, Exposition Park, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

Parking: $6 (enter at Figueroa St. and 39th St.)

Why: To inform and engage leaders and members of community-based organizations about the risk of TB and what they can do to combat TB in their communities Angeles County about the risk of TB and what they can do to combat TB in their communities.

The World TB Day Forum is supported by:

The Office of State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination & Breathe LA

BREATHE LA was originally founded in 1903 as the Los Angeles Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis.

BREATHE LA promotes clean air and healthy lungs through research, education and technology.

BREATHE LA CONTACT Romesh Anketell ranketell@breathela.org