DOTmed has recently begun reporting on the extent of health care problems in correctional facilities. Solutions for systemic problems are complicated, but one avenue lies outside the correctional systems, when individuals and nonprofits offer education and support. One such organization is the Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA), based in New York City.

One of the most serious health problems in correctional facilities is the rise of Hepatitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control's website, an estimated 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C virus infection. According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, 1,209 of U.S. state public and private adult correctional facilities tested 57,018 inmates for Hepatitis C in the 12 months prior to the 2000 census, and 31% of those tests were positive; approximately 4,500 inmates were receiving Hepatitis C treatment.

Gladys G. Moreira-Olsen, Director of Operations for LOLA spoke with DOTmed about LOLA's history, programs and services. Founded in 1994 by Debbie Delgado-Vega, the organization's mission is to raise awareness of liver disease through informational materials, prevention and education/community outreach programs, treatment and referral services, support groups and more for the Latino-American community and underserved populations in the U.S.


Since 1998, LOLA has conducted hundreds of presentations at correctional facilities, educating inmates on Hepatitis A, B & C, risk factors (i.e. blood transfusion, tattoos & unprotected sex), treatment, possible side effects (i.e. depression, fatigue, and joint pain) Hepatitis B vaccination, other liver diseases and organ & tissue donation. Besides visiting correctional facilities, LOLA receives and responds to letters from prisoners all over the country requesting informational materials on liver disease, Hepatitis and treatment. According to LOLA's informational literature, Latinos have more than a 40% greater chance of being infected than the general population of the U.S.

For its tireless work in educating communities and inmates, Ms. Vega, LOLA and the staff have received certificates of appreciation from inmate groups, as well as public accolades.

To obtain educational brochures on Hepatitis, Diabetes and Hepatitis, Live Liver Transplant, Facts on Pre-Liver Transplant Process or other liver disease call 888 367-5652 (LOLA) or visit www.lola-national.org