The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability has voted to increase public awareness of hepatitis C virus infection, as part of the Surgeon General's nationwide effort. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher had previously announced plans to send a "Dear Citizen" letter regarding the risks of hepatitis C, but the project would cost about $30 million. The money may instead be used on a public service announcement during high-profile television events like the Superbowl. The chair of the committee, Dr. Arthur Caplan of the University of Pennsylvania, agreed that the television commercial would reach more people than a letter.

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