Niagara Health is acknowledging World Hepatitis Day – which takes place every year on July 28 – to raise awareness about hepatitis C and liver health.
For the past six years, Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care Clinic team has organized a World Hepatitis Day community awareness event held in communities throughout Niagara. More than 60 community organizations and programs participated in last year’s event at Montebello Park in St. Catharines. This year, the event was put on hold due to the pandemic.
“Although we can’t be together in person, we wanted to share this important and globally-recognized awareness day with everyone, especially our incredible partnering agencies and organizations here in Niagara,” says Karen Usick, Coordinator at Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care Clinic.
The World Hepatitis Alliance has created a campaign - NOhep - Make the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis Our Next Greatest Achievement - with the goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
“The Hepatitis C Care Clinic Team works diligently with our local and global partners to achieve this goal by bringing Niagara Health’s services to communities throughout Niagara,” says Karen. “The first step is to be tested and we will work with you to help you learn your options.”
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 vital to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis C.
Learn more about Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care clinic here.
For more information, please contact us at:
905-378-4647 Ext. 32554
HCCC@niagarahealth.on.ca
