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Elevating Liver Health Advocacy: AASLD's Impact on Capitol Hill

At AASLD, we are committed to advancing liver health through advocacy, education, and research. Our recent Capitol Hill Day on March 20, 2024, was a pivotal moment where we amplified our voice and advocated for critical initiatives to transform the landscape of liver disease prevention and treatment in the United States. 

Capitol Hill in Washington, DC

Key Initiatives Supported

  1. National Plan to Eliminate Hepatitis C (HCV): AASLD spearheaded efforts to garner support for authorizing legislation aimed at implementing the national plan to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) within five years. This ambitious plan is crucial in combating the prevalence of HCV and reducing its burden on public health.
  2. Updated Nomenclature for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Recognizing the importance of accurate terminology in medical discourse, AASLD advocated for the adoption of updated nomenclature for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This initiative aims to streamline communication and enhance understanding in the medical community.
  3. Funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH): AASLD rallied behind the allocation of at least $51.303 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Labor-HHS bill for FY 2025. This funding is vital for advancing liver-related research and innovation, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and treatments.
  4. Support for CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH): In our advocacy efforts, AASLD advocated for $150 million in funding for the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) in the Labor-HHS bill for FY 2025. This funding is essential for bolstering public health initiatives aimed at preventing and controlling viral hepatitis outbreaks.
  5. Congressional Hepatitis Caucus: AASLD urged Representatives to join the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, a bipartisan platform dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and driving legislative action to address the challenges posed by hepatitis.

By The Numbers

Capitol Hill Day was a rousing success. Here's a breakdown of the day:

  • 55 meetings executed
  • 31 AASLD members participated, including:
    • 4 Board Members
    • 12 SIG Leaders
  • 12 patient advocates
  • 5 ELS Scholars
  • 6 AASLD staff

Capitol Hill Day Flyers

Educating policymakers on the impact of budget appropriations and votes as it relates to liver disease is really important. Download our fact sheets and see exactly how AASLD is working to advocate for its members.

Our Efforts

Thank you, Participants!

We appreciate the time you took out of your busy schedules to help support our efforts on Capitol Hill. A special thank you to:

  • Carla Brady, MD, MHS, FAASLD 
  • Saul Karpen, MD, PHD, FAASLD 
  • Rotonya Carr, MD, FACP 
  • Oren Fix, MD, MSc, FAASLD 
  • Harrys A. Torres, MD, FAASLD  
  • Ponni V. Perumalswami, MD, FAASLD
  • Kaitlin Malick-Petschulat, NP 
  • Kristine M. Drozd, NP 
  • Jordan J. Feld, MD, MPH, FAASLD 
  • Silvia M. Vilarinho, MD, PhD 
  • Ma Ai Thanda Han, MD 
  • Kara Wegermann, MD 
  • Matthew Burchill 
  • Samar H. Ibrahim, MBCHB, FAASLD
  • Don C. Rockey, MD, FAASLD 
  • Atoosa Rabiee, MD, MD
  • Patient Advocates
  • All ELS participants
  • AASLD staff