1999 Partnerships Technology Games at PREVENTION 99

March 18-20, 1999

Digestive Health Initiative (ADHFSM DHI®) HepaChallenge

Viral hepatitis is a growing epidemic that affects an estimated 5 million Americans. Hepatitis is manageable and preventable, but people need to realize they could be at risk.

• Only 5% of teens can identify hepatitis when asked if they know of any liver diseases.
• 88% of teens are unaware of the symptoms of hepatitis.

Medical Consumer Media (MCM) partnered with the American Digestive Health Foundation's (ADHF) Digestive Health Initiative® (DHI) to create HepaChallenge, an interactive virtual reality game that educates the public, especially teens, on the risk factors for contracting viral hepatitis and how to avoid them.

Utilizing vibrant 3D graphics, audio and virtual reality technology, HepaChallenge takes you on a journey through the human bloodstream to the liver. The end-user answers questions along the way and learns about the risk factors for contracting hepatitis A, B, and C.

The purpose:  Improve prevention of viral hepatitis by increasing awareness among teenagers, young adults, their parents, at-risk individuals via up-to-date information on hepatitis, and promote innovative and creative methods of communicating hepatitis messages while reaching diverse groups who may not be reached by mainstream approaches.

HepaChallenge comes in two formats: 1. A joystick driven kiosk shaped as a human body, traveling to science museums nationwide. February 1999-2002— "Epidemic: The World of Infectious Disease Museum Tour" premiering at the American Museum of Natural History.  December '98-February '99—Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA.  May '98-November '98—Discovery Place, Charlotte, NC. 2. A multi-platform CD-ROM distributed to medical professionals nationwide through exhibits/direct mail.  

MCM, a physician-directed company based in Reston, VA, is focused on enhancing healthcare through emerging technology. MCM is a leader in developing groundbreaking, educational games for physicians and consumers. http://www.medcm.com

The Technology Games will begin at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 18 and end
Saturday, March 20 at 10:45 a.m.

Visit Table 28 in the Exhibit Hall to learn more about HepaChallenge

Contact Information

Medical Consumer Media
11718 Bowman Green Drive
Reston, VA 20190
Contact: Heather L. Grant, MA
Fax: 703-810-8111
Phone: 703-810-8100, x258
E-mail: heather@medcm.com
Web site: http://www.medcm.com

Contact: games99@health.org       Updated: 04/02/01