Niagara Health is hosting a community event in St. Catharines to mark World Hepatitis Day.
The event will be held at Montebello Park on Friday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include education about the services offered by Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care Clinic, other resources for hepatitis C, liver health, addiction and mental health services, naloxone training and more. The event will also feature a community health and social services fair, with more than 35 community organizations and programs represented.
“A community approach to hepatitis care ensures that individuals have access to the resources and support necessary for their overall health and wellbeing,” says Brenda Yeandle, Manager of Clinical Services in Addiction Services and Mental Health at Niagara Health. “By engaging our community partners, we are able to create a network of care that is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of the populations we serve.”
Team members from the clinic will offer private hepatitis C testing at the event, as well as naloxone training and distribution. The Screen For Life Coach, REACH Niagara Mobile Health Clinic and Niagara’s Mobile Closet will also be at the event.
Our annual World Hepatitis Day event comes following the success of our Canadian Viral Hepatitis Day event, which was held in Niagara Falls this past May.
“Our Niagara Falls event was a testament to the growth of our community and dedication of those who work to support it,” says Karen Usick, Registered Nurse and Community Co-ordinator for the Hepatitis C Care Clinic. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to provide quality care and support to those in our community and encourage people to get tested for hepatitis C.”
Hepatitis C is spread when blood carrying the virus gets into the bloodstream of another person. The virus attacks the liver and if left untreated can result in the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While thousands of Canadians are infected, many are not aware and remain undiagnosed. It is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis C.
The Hepatitis C Care Clinic, which is part of the Addiction Services program, opened in 2011 and provides testing, treatment, case management, counselling and support, and education and workshops.
For more information, visit the Hepatitis C Care Clinic website, contact the clinic by phone at 905-378-4647 ext. 32554 or email HCCC@niagarahealth.on.ca
