Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care Clinic and community partners are hosting a World Hepatitis Day educational event on Thursday, July 28 at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Welland.

The event will raise awareness about hepatitis C and liver health. It will also educate the community about the wide range of services the Niagara Health Hepatitis C Care Clinic and other community agencies offer to residents. At the event, a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner from Niagara Health’s Hepatitis C Care Clinic and Registered Nurse from Niagara Region Public Health will offer confidential hepatitis C testing and health teaching to those interested.

Niagara’s rate of hepatitis C is higher than the provincial average.

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.

The event at the Welland Farmers’ Market, 50 Market Square, runs Thursday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

About the Hepatitis C Care Clinic

The Hepatitis C Care Clinic is a part of the Addiction Services Program at Niagara Health. The team consists of a physician trained in hepatitis C care and treatment, two registered nurses, a mental health counsellor, outreach worker and clinic community coordinator. The Niagara Health clinic is located in Port Colborne (260 Sugarloaf Dr.) with satellite clinics in Niagara Falls (Greater Niagara General Site), St. Catharines(4 Adams St.) and Welland (Welland Hospital).‎ The team provides Hepatitis C education, counselling and support – individual and group.

More information about the clinic can be found at: www.niagarahealth.on.ca/en/hepatitis-c-care

Media Contact: Melissa Raftis, Communications Specialist. 905-378-4647 ext. 43872
melissa.raftis@niagarahealth.on.ca