Community Liver Alliance Recognizes Allegheny Health Network Clinicians with “You Make a Difference” Award

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny Health Network’s Charlotte Mitchell, Mary Gallagher and Stuart Fisk, CRNP, are recipients of the Community Liver Alliance’s 2019 “You Make a Difference” award. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to educate the community about liver health, drive awareness about liver disease and demonstrate commitment and dedication to the mission of the Community Liver Alliance.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a disease that infects the liver and can cause fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure and death. It is common for people living with HIV to have an HIV/HCV coinfection. Because both can spread in blood, a major risk factor for both HIV and HCV infection is injection drug use. According to a recent study, HCV incidence is rapidly increasing – and the opioid crisis is likely a major contributor.

Mitchell and Gallagher, project managers at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Center for Inclusion Health (CIH), create pathways to care for patients with HIV and/or HCV and drive awareness about the importance of routine screening. Fisk, Director of the Center, has been involved in HIV activism, research and prevention since 1988 and has provided medical care for persons living with HIV and AIDS for more than 25 years. As part of their work at the CIH, the three are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and excluded populations.

“We are extremely grateful for the commitment of Charlotte, Mary and Stuart to the mission of the Community Liver Alliance and for their particular efforts to eliminate hepatitis C in our region. They make a significant difference for individuals living with HIV and/or HCV and for the many others among us who face social marginalization,” said Suzanna Masartis, Director, Community Liver Alliance.

Mitchell, Gallagher and Fisk will be honored at an awards event on Friday, February 8 at the Grand Hall at the Priory on Pittsburgh’s Northside.

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About the Community Liver Alliance 

The Community Liver Alliance connects patients to health care providers and services; creates and conducts screenings, educational workshops and seminars; coordinates support groups; works with local media and community groups to increase awareness of liver wellness and liver disease; and meets with local, state, and federal policy makers to initiate positive change.