Joan Block is a nationally recognized Hepatitis B outreach, education, and patient advocacy leader. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Goshen College and a bachelor’s in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. Block also practices as a registered nurse in adult cardiac care, nursing education, and pediatric oncology. Later on, Block co-established the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) in 1991 with her husband, Dr. Timothy Block. HBF is a non-profit organization specializing in hepatitis B research, with its main priorities being to find a cure for hepatitis B and promote better patient care. The Foundation was founded after Block received a hepatitis B diagnosis and saw that there was not enough comprehension outreach or education being broadcast to those diagnosed. In 2012, she and her husband partnered with Hep B United to connect their organization with other federal partners nationally. Hepatitis B became protected under the Americans with Disability Act, and Block was awarded the Women of Distinction Award and the Distinguished Health Leadership Award. Block explained that she would continue to fight for those with Hep B and strive to find the cure for this disease.

Learn more at ice-hbv.org