Proclamation 9450-National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2016
Issued 2016-05-18 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate National Hepatitis Testing Day in 2016. The proclamation draws public attention to viral hepatitis, which affects between 3.5 and 6.9 million Americans and causes thousands of deaths each year. It encourages people at risk for hepatitis B and C to get tested, noting that more than half of Americans living with viral hepatitis are unaware they have it. When left undiagnosed and untreated, viral hepatitis can cause serious liver damage and is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
This proclamation affects Americans who may be at risk for hepatitis, particularly those who are unaware of their infection status. The document highlights that certain groups are disproportionately affected, including African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives, as well as people living with HIV. It directs people to information resources available through the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services.
This matters because it raises awareness about a disease that often goes undetected for many years while causing preventable harm. The proclamation is a ceremonial observance that does not create new laws or impose legal obligations—it simply expresses the President's call for increased testing and awareness on this particular day. It falls within the longstanding presidential tradition of issuing proclamations to highlight public health concerns.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9450-National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to hepatitis testing. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9450—National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2016 May 18, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In the United States, hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis—affecting between 3.5 and 6.9 million people and claiming the lives of thousands of our fellow Americans each year. Because of the persistent efforts of researchers, advocates, and so many others in the medical and public health communities, we have made great strides in advancing treatment of and finding cures for viral hepatitis. Individuals living with hepatitis B and C can only benefit from these advances if they are tested and made aware of their disease. On National Hepatitis Testing Day, we reaffirm the importance of educating people about viral hepatitis, and we encourage individuals at risk for hepatitis B and hepatitis C to get tested. More than half of Americans living with viral hepatitis are unaware of their infection status. This lack of awareness contributes to an increasing number of infections and deaths that could be prevented by people receiving the care and treatment they need. When left undiagnosed and untreated, viral hepatitis can cause serious damage to the liver—it