Mark N. Wong, M.D., a hepatologist with Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, answers your questions in our segment called Ask a Hepatologist. Sponsored by Jade Ribbon Arizona (www.jaderibbon.net), a program of Asian Pacific Community in Action (www.apca-az.org). Hosted by Lloyd Y. Asato.
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When we designed this campaign, we thought that a key success factor would be our ability to partner with large employers to conduct workplace testing and vaccinations. Large employers, our thinking went, have lots of employees and a communication infrastructure. They also care about the health of their employees and would welcome the opportunity to educate and vaccinate. Executives of large employers can be great evangelists and could help us outreach to other large employers. Employees of large employers usually have healthcare and a medical home for follow-up care.
I talked to several HR managers from large employers about partnering with Jade Ribbon Arizona to conduct an education campaign, mass-vaccination, and targeted testing campaign at their site. I expected concerns and was ready to address them. I was instead met with firm resistance.
They stated a concern about EEOC and protected classes (race and national origin) because of our campaign focus on Asians and Pacific Islanders.
They stated concerns about discrimination because of a stigma attached to Hepatitis B virus. I asked what the stigma was. They responded that they were concerned that there was a stigma that linked Hepatitis B virus with risky behavior.
They stated concerns about the blood draws (testing) and needle sticks (vaccinations) and about employee privacy.
I was prepared to address each of their concerns, but the resistance remains firm. Please help me rethink this.
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