Hepatitis C
The Hepatitis C Council of Queensland has the following introduction on their website:
'It is estimated that approximately 210, 000 people in Australia have hepatitis C. It is also estimated that approximately 16, 000 new hepatitis C infections occur per year, in Australia. One in every 100 Australians has hepatitis C. One Australian is infected with hepatitis C every 32 minutes.
Hepatitis C is a major public health issue. It is also a social justice issue. People with hepatitis C can sometimes experience stigma and discrimination in our community.Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver, not a reason to treat people with hepatitis C differently.
You, your family and friends could one day be affected. Avoid the myths and stereotypes and get informed! Anyway you look at it… it is time to get serious.'
Locally for testing and information visit your GP or attend one of the SHAIDS clinics.
To find out more about Hepatitis C these websites may be useful:
NSW Hepatitis C Council of NSW
The Council is an independent, charitable, community-based membership organisation offering assistance to people affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). They are overseen by a Management Committee elected annually by their membership. Their primary funder is the NSW Health Department. The range of people they deal with is wide. It includes people with HCV and their partners, family and friends; healthcare and welfare workers; peer organisations and individuals; government departments; private sector employers and members of the NSW public.
http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/
The Australian Hepatitis Council website provides an information resource primarily for people with Hepatitis C, their families and friends, and their carers.
Information for Non-English speakers.A multilingual website on HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C for people in Australia. The website is maintained by the Multicultural HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Service (MHAHS).
'I Stay Safe'
This website has been designed by the Queensland Department of Health, specifically for young people in particular those of secondary school age ie. 13-17 years. The website is intended as a resource with information that young people can use for their studies as well as to help them make healthy choices that will affect their everyday life experiences. The information will help them deal with sexual issues; personal health and safety issues; and avoid viruses that are spread through blood contact (like hepatitis C) or blood and other bodily fluids (like HIV which can lead to AIDS).
Hep C Helpline 1800 803 990
Prisons Hep C Helpline– Prison inmates use Smartcard.
for NSW prison inmates and their families, and Corrections Staff. This service is provided by the Hepatitis C Council of NSW. Promotional calling cards and posters are available for the Hep C Helpline and the Prisons Hep C Helpline. Please contact the Helpline if you are able to assist with their distribution.