Dear Friend:

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis, which forced me to retire performing. Tests this year revealed that my condition was chronic hepatitis C and had escaped detection for over ten years. Since my diagnosis, I have learned about the seriousness of hepatitis C.

Nearly 5 million Americans are infected with some form of hepatitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the liver and can result in serious liver damage or death. There are five hepatitis viruses. This year alone, an estimated 350,000 people will become infected with hepatitis B or C, the most common and potentially dangerous types of the disease.

Education is the best defense against contracting hepatitis. That's why I am a supporter of the "Get Hip to Hepatitis" national awareness campaign designed to educate Americans about the disease, including who's at risk, how the disease can be prevented and treated and how it is transmitted. For instance, did you know that hepatitis can be contracted through the use of improperly sterilized needles used for tattooing and body piercing?

"Get Hip to Hepatitis" is sponsored by the American Liver Foundation and the Blues Heaven Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose founder, legendary bluesman Willie Dixon, had hepatitis. You should know that through the purchase of Red Blooded Blues you have supported these organizations, with a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the album benefiting the continuation of their good work.

Because music has the power to break through economic and social barriers to reach people of all backgrounds and ages, Red Blooded Blues serves as the centerpiece of the "Get Hip to Hepatitis" awareness program.

Along with great music, Red Blooded Blues offers health information that can potentially save millions of lives.


Stay well,

Naomi Judd
National Honorary Spokesperson
AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION
1-800-223-0179