The Victoria Cool Aid SocietyB次元官网网址檚 Community Health Centre will be setting up a mobile health clinic Thursday (July 28) at Centennial Square for World Hepatitis Day.
Hepatitis C B次元官网网址� one of the most common types of viral hepatitis B次元官网网址� affects over 71 million people globally and can cause liver damage, cirrhosis and even cancer.
To mark World Hepatitis Day, the clinic will be providing hepatitis C education and free drop-in testing for anyone who wants it.
B次元官网网址淭esting is quick, easy and extremely accurate,B次元官网网址� Marion Selfridge, Cool Aid Community Health Centre research manager, said in a press release. B次元官网网址淎nd because one-quarter of people living with the disease donB次元官网网址檛 even know they have it, testing is also extremely important and our best shot at eliminating this disease for good.B次元官网网址�
While most may know the Victoria Cool Aid Society for its work in community housing and shelter, itB次元官网网址檚 also a local leader in the research and treatment of hepatitis C and HIV. The organization has been gaining recognition for its community health centre and outreach programs.
In 2018, the Cool Aid nursing team started reaching out to people living with hepatitis C. They also started testing people in shelters, pharmacies and in supportive housing sites, including ones set up during COVID-19.
B次元官网网址淭hrough these outreach programs, we have found more than 150 people who did not know they had hep C, or did not know how to access treatment,B次元官网网址� Selfridge said. B次元官网网址淏y providing testing and treatment to folks outside of clinic walls, we have been able to treat many more people, including those who have limited contact with the healthcare system.B次元官网网址�
Transmissible through blood, the disease is primarily contracted through the sharing of drug use equipment or getting tattoos and piercings in a non-sterile environment. Other ways of acquiring hepatitis C could include sharing personal hygiene items like shaving razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.
Anyone can be tested B次元官网网址� and screening is universally recommended.
For more information regarding hepatitis C and treatment, contact the Cool Aid Community Health Centre at 250-385-1466.
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