MEDIA ADIVOSRY

WASHINGTON ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO JOIN IN EFFORTS TO REDUCE TUBERCULOSIS BURDEN

Free Educational Event in Recognition of World TB Day, March 24, at Pavilion at Olympic Sculpture Park

WHAT: Interactive forum featuring tuberculosis research and healthcare experts discussing the worldwide tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. There will also be exhibits and a free reception with refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. (NOTE: format consists of opening reception, short presentations by five expert panelists, followed by interactive question and answer session with the audience).

Presented by the Firland Foundation, Seattle BioMed, the Washington Global Health Alliance and the Washington State Tuberculosis Advisory Committee.

WHO: David Fleming, M.D., Director/Health Officer- Public Health Seattle & King Count, will moderate the forum

Expert panelists will address five different areas of TB research and healthcare efforts:

• Stories from person affected by TB
  • featuring a TB survivor in coordination with Public Health Seattle & King County
• Pediatric TB
  • Julie Tomaro, RN, Spokane Regional Health District
• TB/HIV Co-infection
  • Don Sodora, Ph.D., Seattle BioMed
• New Challenges and New Approaches
  • Tanya Parish, Ph.D., Infectious Disease Research Institute
• Advocacy & Funding
  • David Park, M.D., University of Washington

WHEN: Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Reception: 6-6:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pavilion at Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98121

WHY: To draw attention to the increasing problem of tuberculosis locally and globally. One in every three people worldwide carries the bacterium that causes TB, including increasing numbers of Washingtonians. In 2008, 14,000 cases cost the U.S. between $700 million and $1 billion with countless hours of lost productivity.  Of nearly 250 cases reported in Washington State, more than half were in King County. Recent publications estimate the cost of typical TB treatment at more than $10,000 each. With cases of multi drug-resistant and extreme drug-resistant TB on the rise, there is a serious need to develop fast-acting, safe and affordable drugs to combat TB as well as to provide appropriate healthcare and education, especially as co-infections with other serious infections like HIV/AIDS are also on the rise.

World TB Day is observed every March 24 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

VISUALS: Poster displays of Washington’s legacy with tuberculosis, current TB State statistics and images from TB research will interest a broad range of ages (12+) attending World TB Day at Olympic Sculpture Park.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Mortensen
206.256.7220