Good Liver Magazine December 2016

The Magazine of Hepatitis Victoria

December 2016

Good Liver Here’s to a healthy festive season

Eight important facts about hepatitis B New treatments for hepatitis C are getting a lot of attention. It’s easy to forget about hepatitis B, but it’s just as important.

Getting the cure Julie Shiels writes about how access to the new hepatitis C treatments IS changing lives.

Call for hepatitis B immunisation for Indigenous adults There continues to be significant health inequity between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in relation to vaccine-preventable 1 hepatitis B disease.

Staff

Contents

Contact and postal address:

Melissa Wright

Hepatitis Victoria

Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9104 melissa@hepvic.org.au

Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria 3056.

Telephone: (03) 9380 4644 Facsimile: (03) 9380 4688 Email: admin@hepvic.org.au Website: www.hepvic.org.au

HepatitisInfoline

1800 703 003 Melanie Eagle CEO

Telephone: 9385 9102 melanie@hepvic.org.au

Garry Irving Programs and Operations Manager Telephone: 9385 9109 garryi@hepvic.org.au

Martin Forrest Health Promotion Program Manager Telephone: 9385 9111 martin@hepvic.org.au

Damian Salt Office Coordinator Telephone: 9380 4644 admin@hepvic.org.au

Jawid Sayed Health Promotion Project Officer Telephone: 9385 9121 jawid@hepvic.org.au

Tuan Nguyen Health Promotion Project Officer Telephone: 9385 9105 tuan@hepvic.org.au

Shwetha Shankar Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9108 shwetha@hepvic.org.au

Kaz Cochrane Development Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9118 kaz@hepvic.org.au

Lien Tran

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CommuniquĂŠ

From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer

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De-livering the news

News, reports and papers

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Helping you to LiverWell

A new app designed to help with

managing liver health.

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Call for hepatitis B immunisation for indigenous adults

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Eight important facts about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B Community Education Project Officer Telephone: 9385 9123 lien@hepvic.org.au

Carolyn Mogharbel

Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9112 carolyn@hepvic.org.au

Shaun Knott Digital and Online Services Officer Telephone: 9385 9106 shaun@hepvic.org.au

10 Hepatitis Victoria

Acknowledgement Awards

12 Heres to your good health!

Health tips and recipes to keep you healthy over the Christmas break and into the new year.

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HEPReady

Reece Lamshed

Dealing with treatment adherence.

HEPReady Business Development Manager Telephone: 9385 9116 reece@hepvic.org.au

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Getting the cure

Karen Greening HEPReady Project Officer Telephone: 9385 9117 karen@hepvic.org.au

Sione Crawford Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9110 sione@hepvic.org.au

Kate Sievert Community Participation Officer Telephone: 9385 9114 kate@hepvic.org.au

Julie Shiels writes about how access to new hepatitis C treatments is changing lives.

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New Hep Heroes

Sam Jones, Judith Gorst, Steven Taylor, and Anup Perira.

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Liver clinics and liver specialists

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Contacts

Aurora Tang Community Education and Engagement Manager Telephone: 9385 9103 aurora@hepvic.org.au

Good Liver is produced by Hepatitis Victoria, with support from the Victorian Government. The opinions and language expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Hepatitis Victoria or the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Reader response Your comments or experiences in regard to any articles in Good Liver are welcome.

Email: admin@hepvic.org.au

Graphic Design: Swivel Design 0435 733 206

Communique

From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer Throughout the year the sector has

As 2016 draws to a close, and we reflect on

continued to undertake initiatives with the

what we have collectively achieved – some

aim of improving the response to, and the

of which is featured here - it’s also a good

community’s management of hepatitis B,

time to take stock and consider how we can

which is belatedly receiving the recognition it

consolidate. Starting with our own health.

deserves.

So we have included a special “well-being”

Hepatitis Victoria has been able to inform

section filled with information on nutrition,

many in the community about hepatitis B,

diet, exercise tips and more. Whether or

largely funded by philanthropic grants and

not we are living with viral hepatitis, or have

through the inspiring efforts of bilingual staff

recently cleared the virus, we all need to

and volunteers. Federal Government funding

nurture ourselves!

which commenced mid-year will now allow us to build on this work through seven innovative projects – all to be achieved in partnership

2016 has been a watershed year of change and progress.

with other organisations. I look forward to

T

development training program is starting to

he release of the new breakthrough, interferon-free treatments for hepatitis

C in March this year has resulted in around 25,000 individuals beginning treatment, around 7,000 of them Victorians. We are a tenth of the way towards getting the estimated 65,000 Victorians living with hep C cured.

Our BE FREE FROM HEP C campaign, and

the work of our tireless advocates to build awareness of the availability of the new hep C treatments have been major contributors

sharing the detail of these in future issues of

Good Liver.

Meanwhile our HEPReady workforce

I’d like to thank you all for your involvement and support throughout the year, and wish you a happy festive season, and great things in 2017.

Melanie Eagle CEO, Hepatitis Victoria

build momentum towards a systemic change in the way the Victorian community and health workforce work with those at risk of or living with viral hepatitis, and combats stigma and discrimination.

We were very excited to launch LiverWell, our new suite of tools designed to help you Love Your Liver, at our AGM in October.

You can read more about

Marion Lau launches LiverWell at the Hepatitis Victoria AGM.

LiverWell in this issue.

to these lifesaving achievements.

The global commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis by 2030 has gathered momentum, and here in Victoria the State Government

Assoc.Prof. Ben Cowie receives Individual Recognition Award.

released two separate strategies for hepatitis B and hepatitis C: the first hepatitis B strategy ever for Victoria, and hepatitis C strategy the first since 2009.

Federal funding allows seven innovative projects to go ahead.

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De-Livering the news Some frequently asked questions

the Fred Negro Retrospective.

Australian Government breaks silence on hepatitis C inquiry

2016 – What a year we’ve had

Twelve months after the Parliamentary Inquiry into hepatitis C

Cartoonist, Fred Negro (Right) and Good Liver designer, Ray Hehr at

in Australia submitted its report the Australian Government on

Our Annual General Meeting on 25 October was a great opportunity

Wednesday 9 November, 2016, tabled its response to the Inquiry’s

to celebrate what has been a great year for Hepatitis Victoria and our

recommendations.

members. The Mark Farmer Memorial Award and Annual Recognition

Awards were presented. We launched our new initiative, LiverWell, which is featured in this issue, and we exhibited a retrospective of works by cartoonist Fred Negro who has been contributing to Good

Liver magazine since 2013.

While much has changed in the hepatitis C treatment landscape as a result of the Australian Government’s support in the listing of new medications effectively, providing a cure for hepatitis C on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in March of this year, much more needs to be done.

It is disappointing that the Government has elected not to take a leadership role on the Inquiry’s very practical, key recommendations.

Instead, critical areas – namely public awareness raising, and a strategic response to hepatitis in prisons - have been left to States and Territories to pursue.

Hepatitis Victoria is urging the Victorian Government, who in its own 2015 submission supported the recommendations of the Inquiry, to now take action in these critical areas.

To read the Australian Government’s response: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50ff0804e4b007d5a9abe0a5/t/ 582411cd59cc6829f22ea3f8/1478758862651/pAustralian-

Important changes to HCV treatment prescribing guidelines

Government-response-Inquiry-into-HepatitisC-in-Australia-2016.pdf

We welcome the changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

58241231579fb35e65244eff/1478758973770/The_Silent_Disease_

(PBS) decision to amend the prescribing guidelines for new HCV

Inquiry_into_Hepatits_C_in_Austalia.pdf

treatments. Great news for community based clinicians, GP’s, sexual health physicians, drug, alcohol and addiction medicine service providers who can now independently initiate treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

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To view the Parliamentary Inquiry report: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50ff0804e4b007d5a9abe0a5/t/

Kirby Institute release their 2016 Annual Surveillance Report

voice of people will be heard, if it’s loud enough. That’s all of our job—to make enough noise that we can’t be easily ignored”.

Find out how can you take part - go to the NOhep website: www.nohep.org

The Kirby Institute has just released its Annual Surveillance

Report 2016 on Bloodborne viral and sexually transmissible infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Included in the main findings: • The rate of newly acquired hepatitis C infection (newly diagnosed hepatitis C infection with evidence of acquisition in the 24 months prior to diagnosis) in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in 2015 was 13 times that of the non Indigenous population (26 vs. 2 per 100,000 respectively).

Fear of stigma may prevent people seeking life-saving treatment

• In 2015, the notification rate of newly diagnosed hepatitis B infection for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was three times higher than the non Indigenous population (66 per 100,000 vs. 22 per 100,000) with higher rates of hepatitis B notification in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all age groups.

You can download the report at: http://kirby.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/hiv/resources/2016%20 ATSI%20BBVSTI%20Annual%20Surveillance%20Report.pdf

NOhep goes global

Patients with hepatitis C might be hesitant to seek life-saving treatment due to mistrust toward the health system, and ongoing stigma from

NOhep says: “We need to join together and make noise! If we can raise awareness of viral hepatitis, we can exert some real pressure on governments.

We need people to understand that by achieving the elimination of viral

Behaviour 2016 – Viral Hepatitis Supplement:

hepatitis means either success or failure for universal health coverage.

https://csrh.arts.unsw.edu.au/media/CSRHFile/ARTB_2016_Viral_

It’s not an easy fight but we think the

Hep_Supplement_FINAL.pdf

health workers. To find out more - take a look at the University of NSW, Centre for Social Research in Health’s Annual Report of Trends in

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Helping you LiverWell A new app designed to help with managing liver health

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here are countless apps and tools that help us with virtually every

From there, people will be in a better position to get the care and

health, wellbeing or life functioning consideration imaginable.

treatment that they need.

Allergies, exercise and fitness, food, rest, relaxation, sleep,

Knowledge, support and treatment means lives saved!

mindfulness, meditation, stress, breast health, prostate health,

HEPCheck assesses a range of risk factors associated with hepatitis

bone health, dental health, mental health, financial health, heart

B and hepatitis C by posing a series of simple questions, that can

health, sexual health, eye health, brain health, skin health, overall health... the list goes on. There are dozens, if not

easily be understood by the wider

Hep Hero, Marion Lau says:

hundreds of tools out there to help.

But until now, there hasn’t been an app available in Australia to help us with our liver health.

Which is astounding when you consider that many Australians are living with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C without even realising it, and liver cancer has become the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia.

Hepatitis Victoria’s suite of tools under its new LiverWell brand are all about helping people to Love their Liver better.

The first two tools under the brand HEPCheck and CARECheck - are discreet, simple, accessible tools which will help people assess their hepatitis risk, better understand their liver health,

“One of my main passions is the health and well-being of migrant communities, in particular seniors and women.

Being from an Asian country myself I understand the cultural confusion about hepatitis. There is still a lot of stigma around the virus and misunderstanding.

This is a particular concern as many of our Asian communities are more susceptible to hepatitis yet do not have the resources to fully understand the risk factors, or testing and treatment options.

LiverWell is an important resource that will enable people to better manage their liver health, and in turn positively impact their quality of life”.

community, including those with lower literacy in language and health.

An assessment is made based on the individual’s responses, and appropriate recommendations on testing and/ or vaccination are provided together with a simple explanation. Importantly the tool also provides information on transmission and best risk management practices.

Similarly, CARECheck helps people assess their liver health and provides simple lifestyle recommendations (diet, exercise etc) to improve liver health, including, if necessary, a recommendation to talk with their GP for further follow up.

Both tools are available in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.

They can be easily accessed from

and where appropriate, encourage

the dedicated website:

formal testing.

www.liverwell.org.au.

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Call for hepatitis B immunisation for Indigenous adults A new report

A

hepatitis B immunisation program for

acquired hepatitis B disease notified between 2005 and 2012, the

Indigenous Australian adults.

collaborators estimated

new report for the World Health Organisation has called for a national

The report, developed by representatives from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis (Doherty Institute) found that there continues to be significant health inequity between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in relation to vaccinepreventable hepatitis B disease.

incident infection rates and rate ratios comparing Indigenous and non Indigenous people, with adjustments for underreporting.

The study found that of the 54,522 persons with hepatitis B disease notified between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2012, 1953 infections were newly acquired. Acute hepatitis B infection notification rates were significantly higher for Indigenous than non Indigenous Australians.

The rates per 100,000 population for all ages were 3.6 and 1.1 for Indigenous and non Indigenous people respectively. It was

An immunisation program targeting Indigenous Australian adults could have considerable impact in terms of cases of acute hepatitis B prevented, with a relatively low number needed to vaccinate to prevent each case.

Using national data on persons with newly

speaking with SBS, Hepatitis Victoria’s Sione Crawford emphasised: “We need to ensure that Aboriginal people know that their health is valued and that we are completely willing and able to invest in that for the future. We know that the disparity between Aboriginal health and non Indigenous health in Australia is wide, and we need to close that gap. This is one really quite simple way to do that.”

Bring on a nationwide immunisation program! *Adapted with permission, from Bulletin of the

World Health Organisation 2016; 94:826-834A.

determined that if 50% of non-immune Indigenous adults (20% of all Indigenous adults) were vaccinated over a 10-year program a projected 527–549 new cases of acute hepatitis B would be prevented.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.16.169524

The findings sparked the interest of SBS TV who ran a news item on the issue. In

http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/94/11/

entitled: “Hepatitis B immunisation for

Indigenous adults, Australia”. Andre Louis Wattiaux, J. Kevin Yin, Frank Beard, Steve Wesselingh, Benjamin Cowie, James Ward & Kristine Macartney: 16-169524-ab/en/ (16/11/2016)

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Eight important facts about hepatitis B

Eliminating stigma and discrimination by increasing testing and treatment New treatments for hepatitis C are getting a lot of attention. It’s easy to forget about hepatitis B, but it’s just as important.

Here’s eight things you should know about hepatitis B.

• Through sex without the use of barriers like condoms.

A person needs to have hepatitis B to pass it on to someone else. Blood and sexual fluids can only pass on hepatitis B if one person has the virus in their body. Hepatitis B can’t be passed on by hugging or kissing, by sharing plates or cutlery, or by sneezing or coughing.

Hepatitis B is most often passed on during childbirth. Lots of people living with hepatitis B in Australia got it from their mothers who were born overseas.

A huge 44% of people living with hepatitis B in Australia don’t know they have it Testing for hepatitis B isn’t as common as it should be. A lot of people are undiagnosed.

Some groups of people are at more risk of coming into contact with hepatitis B. Think

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are different viruses

about getting tested for hepatitis B if you belong to any of these groups:

• People from culturally and linguistically

They share a first name, but hepatitis B and hepatitis C are different from each other. They

Around 213,300 people in Australia have hepatitis B

both affect the liver. “Hepatitis” just means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Because they are different viruses, hepatitis B and

That’s a little less than 1% of Australia’s

hepatitis C have different tests and treatments.

population. It’s a lot more common than people think.

Out of the people in Australia who have hepatitis B:

childbirth.

•

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hepatitis B.

Other groups who are at higher risk of infection include:

• Sex workers.

• People who inject drugs.

• People who have close or intimate contact

men who have sex with men.

Through blood-to-blood contact.

• Children born to mothers with chronic

•

• 6% are people who inject drugs.

• 4% are gay or bisexual men or other

• Mother-to-baby transmission during

people.

• Gay and bisexual men and other men who

9% are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

These include:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

•

38% were born in the Asia-Pacific region and 4% were born in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Hepatitis B is transmitted in three main ways

diverse backgrounds (especially people from the Asia-Pacific or Sub-Saharan Africa).

have sex with men.

with people living with hepatitis B (like partners, housemates, or family members).

• People who have been in custodial settings.

• People who are receiving dialysis (dialysis is a medical process for people with kidney failure. It removes waste from their blood).

• People living with HIV, hepatitis C, or chronic liver disease.

In Victoria the following groups can get vaccinated against hepatitis B for FREE:

• Household contacts or sexual partners

Luckily, pregnant women in Australia are

•

to mothers with hepatitis B can get a shot at

of people living with hepatitis B infection.

usually screened for hepatitis B. Babies born

People who inject drugs or are on opioid substitution therapy.

birth that protects them from hepatitis B.

• • Men who have sex with men.

• People living with HIV. • Prisoners and remandees.

• People no longer in a custodial setting People living with hepatitis C.

Unvaccinated children who are exposed to hepatitis B are likely to develop a chronic infection. This means that they will need to monitor their hepatitis B for the rest of their lives.

who started, but did not complete, the vaccine course while in custody.

Making sure your children get vaccinated on time is the best way to protect them from hepatitis B.

If you don’t clear hepatitis B, it can become chronic “Chronic” means that the infection is ongoing and long-term. Chronic hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure if it’s not treated. THIS IS MOSTLY PREVENTABLE! It is possible to look after your hepatitis B and stay healthy. Many deaths from hepatitis B are due to people not knowing that they have it.

Hepatitis B currently can’t be cured, but there

About 90 – 95% of unvaccinated adults who come into contact with hepatitis B will clear it naturally

is treatment available to help you manage the virus and look after your liver.

There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B This is great news! Getting vaccinated is

Exposure to hepatitis B causes an infection

the easiest and most effective way to avoid

called acute hepatitis B infection. The word

hepatitis B and stay healthy. And if enough

“acute” means “short term”: this phase lasts

people get vaccinated, we can stop hepatitis

about six months. You can transmit the virus

B transmission in Australia completely. Talk to

in this phase. You may have symptoms like

your doctor or practice nurse about vaccination

nausea and pain in your abdomen.

for yourself and your children.

BUT! Most adults will fight the virus off naturally in that six months. And if you’ve been vaccinated, you are immune and will clear the infection straight away. If you clear hepatitis B, you will be immune to hepatitis B from then on.

Around 90% of unvaccinated children who come into contact with hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis B Children who are exposed to hepatitis B are much, much less likely to clear it naturally.

Hepatitis Victoria would like to thank

Most people who have hepatitis B got it while

Hepatitis NSW for allowing us to adapt

their mother was giving birth to them.

this article by Kyle Leadbeatter.

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Hepatitis Victoria Acknowledgement Awards

Mark Farmer, Organisational Collaboration, Individual Recognition, Volunteer.

H

epatitis Victoria’s annual recognition awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made considerable

and outstanding contributions to the lives of those who are living with viral hepatitis.

The Mark Farmer Memorial Award, instigated in 2010 to honour former Hepatitis Victoria Board Member Mark Farmer, is awarded annually to an individual with lived experience of viral hepatitis who has: their knowledge and experience to help • shared others in the community living with hepatitis, community knowledge and understanding • increased of viral hepatitis; and, positive use of self-management • demonstrated principles in their daily lives.

Organisational Collaboration Award This year’s Organisational Collaboration Award went to the City

The Hepatitis Victoria Organisational Collaboration and Individual

of Greater Dandenong who have greatly assisted in the planning

Recognition Awards were instigated in 2015 to recognise those

and conducting of our education sessions within their community.

who have made a significant contribution to reducing the prevalence

With their strong support we were able to extend our celebration

of viral hepatitis in Victoria and/or to maximising the well-being

of World Hepatitis Day to their region, conducting events and

of those living with viral hepatitis, and who collaboratively work

accessing the CALD communities in the area that have previously

with Hepatitis Victoria and other organisations across the viral

not been accessible to Hepatitis Victoria. We look forward to

hepatitis sector.

continuing to work with them into the future!

Mark Farmer Award This year’s Award went to Jane Little - a long-time supporter of and advocate for Hepatitis Victoria. Jane has dedicated a lot of time to raising awareness, and highlighting how to live a healthy life, with or without hep C. She has assisted Hepatitis Victoria and Hepatitis Australia greatly, helping with media and other promotional work, including recently recording a weekly vlog to document her treatment journey.

Individual Recognition Award The 2016 Individual Recognition Award went to Associate Professor Ben Cowie, who has worked tirelessly, contributing to policy development at a state, national and international level, and to strategies to manage viral hepatitis.

Jane beat a strong list of contenders to win the award – nominees this year included Lien Tran, Joel Murray, Julie Shiels, Amanda

Ben provides much advocacy support, helping to mobilise the community to spread the word about living with viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B. His generosity also extends to helping Hepatitis Victoria to educate and support people living with viral

Geikie and Billy Abbott.

hepatitis in both metropolitan and regional areas. Thank you Ben!

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Runner up for the Individual Recognition Award was Sally Watkinson, from Melbourne Health. Sally has long been a staunch supporter of Hepatitis Victoria. She is always available to support us – whether that be talking to our support groups, assisting interns working on projects with Hepatitis Victoria, or providing sage advice and mentoring for a wide range of our programs. She is, in many respects, considered an unofficial member of the Hepatitis Victoria team, and we very much appreciate her contribution.

Congratulations to all nominees and award winners.

Volunteer Awards Hepatitis Victoria commenced its monthly Volunteer Award in July 2016 to highlight the significant number of volunteers, and the variety

Fathima Ijaza Lafeer (the winner of July Monthly Volunteer Award.

She contributed her time and expertise to the 2016 StreetShot program).

and impact of volunteering effort across the sector – fighting against viral hepatitis.

These Awards celebrate and recognise the extraordinary contributions of all volunteers and the vital role they play in creating happier, healthier and well-connected communities affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis. Thank you all very much for your tireless efforts and lovely smiles which brighten the office!

The following volunteers: Anup, Fathima, Gorden, Yi and Dolly are the first five of our recognised volunteers who have contributed their time and expertise to the 2016 Mums-to-B/ B Understood projects and various health promotion activities.

Gorden Luong (the winner of September Monthly Volunteer Award).

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Here’s to your good health!

Articles by Damian Salt, recipes by Harmandeep Kaur

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egardless of whether we have or haven’t, ever lived with viral hepatitis (or any other health condition for that matter), looking after our health, is absolutely vital. The thing is, it’s up to you to take control and manage your health. But a little bit of advice and information can help you steer yourself along the right path.

Healthy foods for Summer • Nuts: Almond, Cashew, Pistachio and Walnut help prevent major diseases like nervous disorder, eye problems, skin dryness etc, and contribute to a healthy heart, strengthen nerves, beautiful

Healthy foods for your liver high in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit • Grapefruit: increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

and carrots: both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids • Beets and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

tea: this beverage is full of plant antioxidants known • Green as catechins. This compound is known to assist liver function.

Green tea is a delicious, healthy addition to any diet. Keep in mind that while green tea is good for the liver, green tea extract IS NOT. Some research suggests green tea extract may actually have a negative effect on liver health.

Green leafy vegetables: are one of the most powerful • supporters in cleansing the liver. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. They are high in plant chlorophylls, and help to absorb environmental toxins from the blood stream. Because of their ability to neutralise heavy metal, chemicals and pesticides, green leafy vegetables offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver. Try to include such greens as bitter gourd, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

this nutrient-dense super-food helps the body • Avocados: produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

are high in pectin and contain chemical constituents that • Apples: are necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

Olive oil: cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax• seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can “suck up” harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.

are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, glutathione, and • Walnuts: the amino acid, Arginine; all of which enhance the liver’s cleansing powers, and in particular help to rid your body of excess ammonia.

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skin and good vision.

• Dates: are rich in protein, iron, fibre, calcium and vitamins. They

help protect your eyes and skin from sun damage and keep them healthy. Also good for total body strength.

• Frozen grapes: are good for digestive problems. They help combat tiredness caused by lack of nutrition and very are important for athletes.

• Tender Coconut Water: is one of the important summer foods.

Drink it on an empty stomach in early morning during summer to help protect your lungs, eyes, kidney and blood circulation from heat. It contains sodium and chlorine salt is good for blood purification. Tender Coconut water can also boost your energy levels because it is rich in potassium and magnesium.

• Watermelon: contains inflammation-fighting antioxidants that

may reduce the risk of complications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and arthritis. Watermelon is also high in vitamins C and A (in the form of beta-carotene) and the antioxidant lycopene, known for reducing risk of macular degeneration and prostate cancer. It also contains potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, regulation of the body’s electrolyte and acidbase balance, and reduction of high blood pressure risk.

• Oranges: contain vitamin C, fibre, potassium and choline.

Oranges may boost your immune system and improve your skin by helping fight against skin damage caused by the sun and pollution. It is vital to collagen production and may help reduce wrinkles and improve the skin’s overall texture. Oranges also aid with heart health and cholesterol levels thanks to their high fibre level. They may also help reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers and kidney stones.

• Onions: especially red ones, contain a chemical called quercetin

which is believed to have an anti-histamine effect. Histamine is the irritant that causes heat rashes and adverse reactions to insect bites and stings, so eating onions daily may help to ease these summer complaints.

• Salmon: is lower in saturated fat than beef, and is a heart-healthy fish. It is richer in Omega-3 fats, a type of health-promoting

unsaturated fat, than most other fish varieties. Like most animal foods, it is rich in protein as well as many vitamins and minerals essential for human health (especially vitamin B).

Healthy activities

12 simple Summer exercise ideas

Healthy tips: the same amount at each meal • Eating ensures the body has an adequate supply of energy to function optimally throughout the day.

• fibre is healthy for everyone. water before eating could • Drinking help you consume fewer kilojoules at

A diet plan that is low in fat and high in

mealtime.

optimal amount of different food • The serve each day:

1 5 –12 servings of grains.

2 5 –10 servings of fruits and vegetables.

3 2 –4 servings of milk and milk products.

4 2 –3 servings of meat and meat substitutes.

5 Reading the nutritional panel on your food packaging will help you make healthier choices. For example, for every 100g, choose items with less than 10g fat, less than 3g saturated fat and less than 400mg sodium.

Reference 1. Science, L. (2016). Oranges: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts. [online] Live Science. Available at: http://www. livescience.com/45057-oranges-nutritionfacts.html [Accessed 24 Nov. 2016].

2. MASHTA, O. (2016). Cool foods to eat this

T

he move to daylight saving and generally warmer weather (although Victorian weather can be unpredictable!) automatically prompts us to assess our diet, fitness and general wellbeing.

It is a positive step to focus on our health and put some realistic plans in place to assist with the logistics.

Having just cleared the hep C virus myself, my energy levels have increased and I am looking to exert some of that energy in a challenging way. Make a copy of the tips I am sharing with you and place them on your bathroom cabinet, refrigerator or wherever they will be seen.

Simple summer exercise ideas: 1 Go outside to exercise – leave the gym and cardio machine and take in the

summer. [online] Mail Online. Available

fresh air! Get creative with your cardio

at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/

workouts and keep burning body fat

article-184206/Cool-foods-eat-summer. html [Accessed 24 Nov. 2016].

3. Dr. Group’s Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. (2013). 14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver. [online] Available at: http://www. globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/ liver-cleanse-foods/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2016].

4. Taste.com.au. (2016). Salmon recipes. [online] (See page 15). Available at:

while jogging, skipping, bike riding or any OUTDOOR activity.

2 Set realistic goals for your new plan. If it is about losing weight then be real and keep the numbers low and achievable.

3 Start your summer exercise regime

keep you on your toes.

5 Choose a 20 minute cardio routine

or sport that you like such as biking, jogging, netball etc and do it three times a week.

6 In order to burn fat you need to build

muscle and speed up your metabolism.

Begin doing a 20 minute bodyweight strength exercise routine three times a week. Squats, planks and pushups are a good start.

7 Keep a skipping rope handy – this gives you a great cardio workout.

8 So you think you can dance? Even if you can’t, dancing is fun and burns tons of calories. So turn up the music and start dancing!

9 If you love the water- this is your time: ski, surf or just swim. Or give deep water running a go.

10 Golf anyone? It’s not for me but provides a full body workout. And you can chat with your buddy as you play.

11 Include a full body workout with a medicine ball.

TODAY with a 30 minute walk. Do this

12 Play Frisbee with your exercise partner.

walk everyday, rain hail or shine. You

And remember…have fun while you

can break it up into three 10 minute

http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections

walks if you want (make sure you wear

/salmon+recipes/2?ref=collections%2C

sunscreen and a hat).

salmon-recipes [Accessed 24 Nov. 2016]

is human or canine – so long as they

workout. It’s important that you choose a regime that you find enjoyable – not a chore.

4 Find an exercise buddy to help keep you

motivated. Doesn’t matter if that buddy

13

Healthy recipes

Avocado and prawn salad with green goddess dressing

Ingredients:

Step 2 Meanwhile, coarsely chop 1 avocado.

• 500g peeled green prawns (tails intact) • 1 long fresh red chilli, finely chopped • 2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, grated • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 2 limes, rind finely grated, juiced • 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil • 3 avocados • 1/3 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped • 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped

Process with the coriander, mint, chives and

• 60ml (1/4 cup) Coconut Milk • 2 tablespoons water • 450g papaya, deseeded, cut into wedges • 1 iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges • 2 teaspoons honey • Toasted macadamias, chopped, to serve.

lime juice in a bowl. Heat the remaining

fresh chives

Step 1 Combine the prawns, chilli, ginger, garlic, rind from 1 lime and 1 tbs of the oil in a bowl. Season. Set aside to develop the flavours.

14

2 1/2 tbs lime juice in a food processor until

Nutrition

Energy 2976kJ

almost smooth. Add the coconut milk, water

Fat saturated

14.00g

and 1 1/2 tbs of the remaining oil. Season

Fat Total

58.00g

well combined.

Carbohydrate Total

11.00g

Step 3

Dietary Fibre

10.00g

Cut remaining avocados into wedges.

Protein 32.00g

and process until mixture is smooth and

Drizzle with a little of the remaining lime juice to prevent discolouration. Arrange with papaya and lettuce on a serving plate.

Step 4 Combine honey and 1 tbs of the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook prawns, turning, for 4 minutes or until prawns change colour and are cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Drizzle with the lime mixture.

Step 5 Top the salad with prawns. Spoon over green goddess dressing. Sprinkle with the macadamia and season.

Barbecued salmon with fennel, orange and chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, peeled • 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, very thinly sliced • 1 x 400g can Salt-Reduced Chickpeas, rinsed, drained

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/3 cup fresh continental parsley leaves • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill • 1 large (about 375g) skinless salmon fillet, pin boned (see tip)

Step 2 Add the fennel, chickpeas, onion, parsley and dill to the bowl. Season with pepper.

Toss to combine.

Fat saturated

1.00g

Preheat a barbecue flat plate or chargrill on

Fat Total

5.00g

high. Cut salmon lengthways into 8 slices.

Carbohydrate Total

19.00g

with pepper. Cook on barbecue for 1 minute

Dietary Fibre

7.50g

each side for medium or until cooked to

Protein 26.00g

Spray lightly with olive oil spray and season

your liking. Flake into bite-sized pieces. Add salmon and rocket to the orange mixture

and toss to combine. Divide among serving dishes and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes:

Step 1

(back straps). Add 1 avocado, halved, stone

Holding 1 orange over a large bowl to

removed, peeled, coarsely chopped, to the

catch any juice, use a sharp knife to cut

salad. Cook lamb for 3-4 minutes each side

along either side of the white membrane

for medium or until cooked to your liking.

to remove the segments. Add to the bowl.

Set aside for 3 minutes to rest. Slice.

Use your hands to squeeze the juice from

To pin bone salmon, gently run your fingers

orange.

Energy 930kJ

Step 3

• Olive oil spray • 50g baby rocket leaves • Lemon wedges, to serve

the remaining flesh. Repeat with remaining

Nutrition

Variation: Lamb with orange, avocado and chickpeas: Omit the fennel and onion.

Replace the salmon with 2 lamb eye of loin

over the fillet to locate the bones, then use tweezers to pull them out.

15

HEPReady

Dealing with treatment adherence

S

tatistics show that uptake up of the new hepatitis C treatments in the first six months has been very positive. In fact Victoria ranks second only behind the ACT in the number of people taking up treatment.

agreeing with the client, a care plan that lists all the health contacts they will need as they proceed through the testing and treatment system.

However one potential issue with the medications is adherence to the treatment regime. Ensuring that those undergoing treatment maintain their motivation to complete the 8, 12 or 24-week course, without missing a few days or weeks is important.

Supporting people to consult doctors, specialists, social workers, counsellors and arranging blood tests and fibroscans. It may be necessary to accompany the person to their first clinic appointment.

It may also mean accompanying them to the pharmacist to fill out the script, and putting in place a reminder for them and the pharmacist for when the script needs refilling.

It’s easy to do—forget to take the tablet a day here and there, or forget to go to the pharmacist to fill the prescription for the next four-week course. How many of us have forgotten to take our pills in an antibiotic course? It’s even more fraught if the individual is managing a mental illness, or dealing with homelessness, for instance.

Organisations working with ‘at risk’ communities are having to consider how to address this issue and the scope of their role in supporting an individual who may be going through treatment.

HEPReady was recently approached to facilitate training sessions focussing on strategies to ensure hepatitis C treatment adherence for in-residence homeless people. This is an example of how Hepatitis Victoria’s HEPReady training courses can be tailored to suit the specific needs and foci of various individuals or organisations.

The HEPReady training program helps participants identify how to best initiate conversations to encourage people suspected of living with hepatitis to be tested and treated. This is a sensitive matter, and needs to be conducted without breaching privacy or conducting profile stereotyping. For example, one cannot automatically assume that someone from a priority population has hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Therefore, the conversation needs to be steered in a considered way to ensure the individual is fully informed about the facts of hepatitis, understands what testing involves, and the likely outcomes of treatment should they have a positive diagnosis.

Those working with someone diagnosed with hepatitis C need to consider what strategies may be needed to support the individual through their treatment journey. This could mean sketching out and

16

It might perhaps be helpful to make a call to the local pharmacist to see that they have the medication on hand, or when it will be in stock.

It may be necessary to create a webster or blister pack, which contains

individually sealed compartments, to help the person remember when to take the right medicine.

These are just some of the practical strategies that can help people adhere to and complete their treatment regime.

Equally important through this process is counselling support, to help the person psychologically and emotionally understand, and accept what their journey will be like. How to cope with the various opinions, diagnoses, waiting room times and travel times that they may encounter on their health recovery journey.

Those with hepatitis C may also find that although their treatment worked brilliantly to clear the virus, they continue to live with serious liver damage throughout their life. This may be a heavy blow to their motivation, particularly if their expectation is that curing their hepatitis C also means a reversal of their liver damage. How do we help maintain optimism and motivation in the face of this reality?

HEPReady training can assist health and community workers in dealing with these issues. Hepatitis Victoria is constantly adapting and adding to its suite of training programs to ensure it can meet the special requirements that health and community services have in dealing with specific groups of clients.

For further information email: hepready@hepvic.org.au

Getting the cure

Access to the new hepatitis C treatments IS changing lives, writes Julie Shiels.

J

une 30, 2016: The line for the Liver Clinic reception desk at the Alfred Hospital is long. The other counters in the outpatients’ area are empty; regularly a staff member moves along the queue calling out “Orthopaedics?

Orthopaedics?” Occasionally somebody on a stick or with a bad limp hobbles over to one of the other three reception booths, but this makes little difference to the number of people waiting for “the cure”.

The cross section of people waiting — the down at heel, the urban, the suburban, and me – artist, university lecturer, mother. I speculate that, like me, most people in this queue, have wondered at some point how the others in line got infected — blood transfusion, needle stick, surgery or drug user? In the early 1970s I was the latter – a curious teenager with a deep underlying unhappiness. Underwhelmed by the world and my peer group, I blotted out my disappointment and boredom by experimenting with drugs.

Fast forward to 1994. A few weeks before my 40th birthday, I take a hep C test. I was suffering from regular fatigue and the virus had been recently identified. It was a routine test, just in case, part of the process of elimination to rule out possible causes. On her first glance at the results my doctor said, “It looks like you are clear but your liver function is slightly out”. As she read further she recanted: “It says VIRUS DETECTED”, she told me. She picked up the phone and rang the lab to double check there wasn’t a mistake. “I’m so sorry”, she said, as I descended from the realm of the healthy into the world of the chronically ill, stamped with a life threatening disease.

At that stage the experts said hep C wasn’t a death sentence, but on the small sample of statistics available at that time, they anticipated that one in four people with the virus would progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Information about the disease was scant, there was no Internet and I was terrified. So I rang the Hep C Helpline. In a tiny office at Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital where the casualties of the AIDS epidemic were hospitalised, a small group of volunteers shared the roster answering the phone.

I was fortunate that my family, friends and co-workers treated me well but I felt alone and uncertain about what the future would hold. This was an era of new and frightening diseases. HIV/AIDS had been identified in 1983; hep C in 1989. People were scared because suddenly blood was dangerous. It is no surprise that there was a lot of misinformation; fear and discrimination were swirling about as a result. In 1994 there were no staff members paid to provide accurate information about the virus, just this generous but untrained crew of helpers offering support.

As part of my own self-education and psychological cure, I too began volunteering on the phones. I started the Good Liver newsletter and secured funding to employ a part time worker from the philanthropic trust, the Myer Foundation. I buried myself in the business of supporting others and was eventually successful in dragooning a reluctant State Government into funding the organisation that is now known as Hepatitis Victoria.

However for those us that were diagnosed during this time frame the only potential “cure” was Interferon, which had low and uncertain success rates

but was accompanied by the certainty of devastating side effects. The term psycho toxemia was used to describe the psychological toll.

My liver was still reasonably healthy so that path wasn’t for me.

Nor was the success of subsequent combination therapies enough to lure into the realm of the ghastly side effect of drugs that could potentially cure hep C. When the new treatments were officially launched on 1 March 2016, I presented myself to my GP to get a referral, but the pathway to a prescription was convoluted because of Government requirements.

July 28 2016: Last night I swallowed the last tablet in the bottle. Four weeks since I commenced treatment and time to get the result of my first blood test. As I wait to see the specialist, I am relieved that nobody will ask me how I contracted the virus. For years, when visiting doctors I had to advise them that I carried the hep C virus. Sometimes, when having a blood sample taken, I would have to remind the nurse to put on gloves. Various medical professionals crossed the line and asked how I got the disease. My answer depended on the context and my own level of vulnerability at the time. After all, I can’t be sure how and where I was infected. It may have the youthful curiosity and unhappiness that led to experiment with drugs, or I may have been exposed to the virus in 1985, when I was admitted to a Thai Hospital with Dengue fever and was subjected to numerous blood tests with non- disposable needles. This version of the story would invariably elicit the response, “oh you poor thing”. If I offered the unhappy youth narrative, this was generally met with silence, an unsympathetic look and an uncomfortable wriggle in the seat. “But”, I always wanted to say, “it’s all about blood and we didn’t know how dangerous it was in those days”.

On my second appointment at the Liver Clinic, specialist Dr Peter Jennings boots the computer into action. ‘Have a look at this’, he says— there clearly on the page are the words “VIRUS NOT DETECTED”. I can’t believe that after twenty odd years of wondering if and when the virus was going to fatally attack my liver, this painful era was drawing to a close. I still have two more months of treatment to go, but am relieved that in future I would no longer need to “fess up” every time I filled in a medical record, nor panic every time I shed a drop of blood. (I will continue to observe the same procedures, however, because these days we all know — blood can be dangerous.)

What is true for me is true for tens of thousands of others. Making this treatment available under the PBS is costly, but it has the potential to halt the spread of the virus in Australia. In the long term, this will reduce health costs and save lives.

August 4 2016: As we all shuffle down the line to the reception desk at the Liver Clinic on my third visit I reflect on how marvellous it is that, like me, all of these people will soon clear the virus. Ahead of me, the business of checking-in is interrupted as the receptionist calls the treatment nurse so that a happy couple can hand over bottles of wine in a gesture of thanks.

No doubt we all have our own stories to tell about how we got the virus, how we received the diagnosis, how we lived with this reality and then how we got the cure… this is mine.

For more stories go to: www.hepvic.org.au/page/1172/personal-stories

17

New Hep Heroes

Sam Jones, Judith Gorst, Steven Taylor, and Anup Perira

“I

Judith Gorst

Sam Jones “I don’t see myself as a hero necessarily but I

If your ‘no shame’ gives one other person

do thoroughly enjoy educating other people who

the courage to step up and look into and

inject drugs (PWID) about hepatitis (hepatitis C

after their health by knowing what their

especially) and encouraging my peers to take

health status is then you have achieved

control of their health including researching

something awesome.

and educating themselves about hep C”.

I am a Hep Hero because I have always been interested in and troubled by the causes

Everything from transmission risks to treatment, to disclosure and dealing with the myths and stigma and

of stigma and discrimination. I believe that a diagnosis with hepatitis

discrimination we face daily. Empowerment through knowledge and

C can cause some people to experience fear and shame and these

myth busting is my bag and I am very passionate about it.

may lead to social isolation, low self-worth and depression.

I am a mother, daughter, mover, shaker, creative, intuitive, animal

I am originally from the UK and have lived in Australia for over

lover and stuff maker, worker bee, life player, part time sooth sayer,

30 years. I am a registered nurse, a family therapist and a civil

peer educator and friend, of Maori/Canadian blend, loyal, trustworthy,

marriage celebrant.

honest, down to earth, and resident of the world.

Among other things, I work at Prahran Market Clinic as a Practice

I have had hepatitis C for the past 20+ years. I’ve known about it

Nurse. I am in daily contact with people who have direct experience of

for approximately 15 years. That is 15 years of feeling personally

living with the physical and stigmatising effects of HIV and hepatitis C.

responsible for my blood - whether it spills, drips or leaks, whether

I have worked with people who are affected by blood borne viruses

I tell people or not.

for the last 25 years. Listening to people with hepatitis C recount their

Feeling like I am obligated to, but knowing the repercussions of doing

experience of stigma and discrimination has shocked me.

so. Up until now I have never been interested in treatment - I witnessed

I have been staggered by the inhumane treatment that some of my

the mess the old treatments made of people’s bodies and lives.

clients have been subjected to, frequently in medical settings.

I will hopefully get my first prescription of the new DAA’s on September

I find some of the stories difficult to comprehend, but they explain

21. I am curious, if not a bit wary, of what it will be like to live without

why life may become very difficult for people living with hepatitis C.

the identity I have loathed for so long, but learned to embrace and

I understand why some people choose to withdraw and remove

stand tall with, so I could show others that people with hep C are just that...PEOPLE.

themselves from society.

I think that raising awareness of the symptoms experienced by

You can’t make progress without communication. You can’t have

many people living with hepatitis C is very important. This might

communication if people are petrified to share their experiences.

summon more understanding and empathy from the public.

We need to normalise these diagnoses so people will feel free to look

Society’s negative judgment of people with hepatitis C highlights the

after themselves-whether that means immediate treatment or just

ignorance and lack of education that abound in relation to this virus.

having a community to support you and communicate to until you do

Until more of us stand up and challenge some of these common

decide treatment is right for you.

beliefs things will not change.

Sam’s message to others:

Judith’s message to others:

Be proud of who you are. Be honest and forthcoming.

You are NOT the only one in the world to have hepatitis.

It is common. More common than people let on.

Don’t be ashamed of having experiences. Hepatitis is another experience - from transmission to treatment.

18

Everyone has an important story to tell and everyone deserves respect.

Through developing a connection with my clients I am privileged with their story and as a result am exposed to their warmth, courage, determination and resilience.

These human qualities are common in all of us and I believe that it is only through connecting with a universal humanity.

Ia

Steven Taylor

individuals, in order to improve overall health in the community.

I started off by providing health talks about infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases and the importance of testing at various

I’m a social worker, student and performance poet living in Melbourne. I contracted hepatitis C when I was 14 years old through the Alfred Hospital. I am a haemophiliac, which is a type of bleeding disorder, and received many blood transfusions as part of treating that condition.

There was very little support or information offered to me about the condition and I lived with the hepatitis C virus, growing up feeling very isolated and believing I couldn’t touch people. Only after several years of living with hep C did I discover this was incorrect.

Interferon treatment started to be offered to haemophiliacs in the early 2000s, and eventually as my liver started to deteriorate I was put on a six month course of treatment. Although it was very difficult enduring months of a treatment regime with ribavirin, the medicine worked and I was pronounced clear of the virus in early 2006.

community gatherings.

After which my passion for health promotion inspired me to acquire a Masters degree in Public Health. And currently, I have been utilising my skills and knowledge, to make a difference, in any possible way that I can.

My Masters program in public health was the right catalyst in improving my knowledge and skill as a health promotion activist have helped me in address health matters in the community, starting from education, motivation to strategic planning and design.

I have spent the past two and a half years in Australia, delivering health talks across Victoria, with various organisations, in order to educate and motivate migrants, refugees and Indigenous Australians about the various infections, health issues and support services available in the state.

Since then I’ve gone on to live a healthy and happy life, and now I want to contribute to helping other people living with hepatitis.

Since stigma and discrimination exist in all communities, I have been

It’s important to breakdown the stigma surrounding hep C because it prevents people from seeking out or attaining treatment, which perpetuates more hepatitis infections throughout the community.

working closely with organisations such as Hepatitis Victoria and the

I believe that people deserve health care and medical treatment, free from judgement, regardless of social status or lifestyle.

services and get treated.

Steven’s message to others:

What I have learnt from the journey through hepatitis (and navigating the medical system) is how to advocate for myself and others.

Keep asking questions, and demanding answers and access.

Get tested, get treated, don’t give up, don’t take no for an answer, and look after yourself out there.

involved in various health projects which can address this issue, by CEH (Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health), to break the shackles of stigma, and encourage individuals to get tested, approach support The top two projects that I would rate as my personal best, in order to address the stigma and discrimination revolving around hepatitis are:-

•

StreetShot program, organised by Hepatitis Victoria - which encourages young individuals to participate and portray their idea about viral hepatitis, through photos or videos.

•

CEH (Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health) - I was a part of a young team, which brainstormed ideas and put forth a short video, which addresses stigma and discrimination revolving around infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, STI’s and HIV. It’s posted on You Tube and social

Anup Perira I am a Hep Hero because…I am confident that one day we will break the shackles of stigma and discrimination and improve health seeking behaviors amongst all individuals, irrespective of their race, gender, culture or socio-economic status.

I am a medical professional, who aims to improve health in the community by bridging the gap between health services and health-seeking behaviors.

As a dental surgeon from India, I’ve spent the majority of my time in rural villages, trying to sideline the factors such as myths, lack

media, which ensures the spread of the message in an express mode.

Anup’s message to others: The more you can contribute to a cause, the faster it gets addressed. Think of your potential, and what good you can bring to make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of those around you.

Even if you do wonders in a small society or if a single individual benefits from your contribution, the outcome would be more than satisfactory, as the ripple effect of your doing will, do the rest for you.

Always, mix work and fun to achieve the right balance, not only to stay happy, but to be an inspiration to life itself. All the best to all health activists out there and continue doing your best.

of knowledge, accessibility and health-seeking attitudes among

19

Liver clinics and liver specialists Albury

Albury Community Health - Hepatitis Clinic 596 Smollett Street, Albury Contact: (02) 6058 1800 Fax: (02) 6058 1801

Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale, Regional Hospital, Specialist Consulting Rooms 122 Day Street, Bairnsdale Contact: (03) 5150 3478 Fax: (03) 5150 3404

Ballarat

Ballarat Health Services 577 Drummond Street North, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5320 4211 Fax: (03) 5320 4097 Ballarat Community Health 12 Liliburne Street, Lucas Contact: (03) 5338 4500

Bendigo

Bendigo Health Lucan Street, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5454 8422 Fax: (03) 5454 8419

Bentleigh East

Moorabin Specialist Centre (Private) 873 Centre Road, Bentleigh East Contact (03) 9579 0100 Fax: (03) 9563 7554

Berwick

76 Clyde Street, Berwick Contact: (03) 9796 1500 Fax: (03) 9796 1300

Box Hill

Box Hill Hospital 8 Arnold Street, Box Hill 3128 Contact: (03) 9895 3352 (OPD) 1300 342 255 (General)

Caulfield South

Caulfield Endoscopy (Private) 544 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South Contact: (03) 9595 6666 Fax: (03) 9595 6611 Email: info@caulfieldendoscopy.com.au

Cranbourne

Cranbourne Integrated Care Monash Health 140-154 Sladen Street; Cranbourne Contact: (03) 5990 6789 Fax: (03) 5990 6350

East Ringwood

Maroondah Hospital – Eastern Health Davey Drive, Ground Floor Outpatients.

East Ringwood Contact: (03) 9879 1570 Email: outpatients@easternhealth.org.au

Eltham

(Dr.Tony Dr Michealson, and weakly visiting Hepatitis C nurse Rhonda O’Malley) 1170 Main Rd, Eltham.

Contact: (03) 9496 6846 Fax: 9496 2732 Email: Rhonda.o’malley@austin.org.au

Epping

Northern Hospital 185 Cooper Street, Epping Contact: (03) 8405 8000 Fax: (03) 8405 8761

Malvern Victorian HepatoPancreato Biliary Surgery Group. (Private) 29/183 Wattletree Road, Malvern Contact: (03) 9508 1222 Fax: (03) 9509 1522 Cabrini Hospital (Private) 183 Wattletree Road, Malvern Contact: (03) 9508 1222 Fax: (03) 9508 1098

Maroondah Maroondah Hospital – Eastern Health (Outpatients) Ground Floor, Davey Drive, Ringwood East Contact: (03) 9895 3333 Fax: (03) 9895 4852

Melbourne Alfred Centre, Gastroenterology Department Ground Floor, 99 commercial Road, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9076 2223 Fax: (03) 9076 2194

Epping Medical Centre 230 Cooper Street Contact: (03) 8401 1777 Fax: (03) 8401 1788

Melbourne City Gastroenterology (Private) Mailing address: Melbourne City Gastroenterology PO Box 2159 Royal Melbourne Hospital Contact: 1300 700 789

Fitzroy

Melbourne East

St. Vincent’s Hospital 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Contact; (03) 9288 3771 Fax: (03) 9288 3489

Footscray

Western Hospital 148 Gordon Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 8345 6666 Fax: (03) 8345 6856

Frankston

Peninsula Liver Clinic (Private) 141 Cranbourne Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9770 0139 Fax: 9781 2644

Geelong

Melbourne GI & Endoscopy (Private) 130-132 Grey Street, East Melbourne Contact: (03) 9417 5306

Mildura Mildura Base Hospital 231-237 Thirteenth Street, Mildura Contact: (03) 5022 3333 Fax: (03) 5033 3228

Mitcham Mitcham Private Hospital – consulting rooms (Private) 23 Doncaster East Road, Mitcham Contact: (03) 9210 3146 Fax: (03) 9210 3139

Moonee ponds

Southern Health Monash Medical Centre 246 Clayton Road, Clayton Contact: (03) 9594 6666 Fax: (03) 9594 6111 Email: outpatient.enquiries@monashhealth.org

University Hospital Geelong Gippsland Central Gippsland Health Services 292-322 Ryrie Street, Geelong Contact: (03) 4215 1396 Fax: (03) 4215 1385 155 Guthridge Parade, Sale.

Coburg

Heidelberg

Moonee Valley Specialist Centre (Private) Private Facility, including Fibroscan.

Ground Leve| 767 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds Contact: (03) 9372 0372

Clayton

John Fawkner Private Hospital (Private) 275 Moreland Road, Coburg Contact: (03) 9385 2500 Fax: (03) 9385 2170

20

Austin Liver Clinic 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 2787 Fax: (03) 9496 7232

Moonee ponds Gastrolab (Private) Suite 1, Level 1, 28 Young Street, Moonee Ponds Contact: (03) 9331 3122 Fax: (03) 9331 3133

Contacts Community-based Hepatitis C Treatment Services Parkville

Royal Melbourne Hospital, Infection Diseases Department, OPD Ninth floor, 300 Grattan Street (Corner of Royal Parade), Parkville Contact: (03) 9342 7212 Fax: (03) 9342 7277

Prahran

Alfred Hospital, Infectious Diseases Department 55 Commercial Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9076 6081 Fax: (03) 9076 6528

Preston

Victorian Aboriginal Health Services Wednesdays 9.00-4.00pm 238-250 Plenty Road Preston Phone: 9403 3300 for an appointment or drop in.

Richmond

The Epworth Centre (needs referrals) Suite 7.6 Erin Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9428 9908 Fax: (03) 9421 3432

Shepparton

Goulburn Valley Health Outpatients Graham Street, Shepparton Telephone: (03) 5832 3600 Fax: (03) 5831 6032

Springvale

Springvale Community Health – Monash Medical Centre 55 Buckingham Avenue, Springvale Contact: (03) 9594 3088

Traralgon Latrobe Regional Hospital Private Consulting Suites 3 and 4 Princes Highway, Traralgon West.

Contact: (03) 5173 8111 Fax: (03) 5173 8097 Wantirna

Knox Private Hospital – consulting rooms (Private) 262 Mountain Highway, Wantirna Contact: (03) 9210 7300 Fax: (03) 9210 7301

Warrnambool

Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (limited hepatitis treatment services) 172 Merri Street, Warrnambool Contact: 1300 009 723 Fax: (03) 5564 5700

West Heidelberg Banyule Community Health Centre 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg.

Contact: (03) 9496 6846

Wodonga

Murray Valley (Private) Hospital Nordsvan Drive, Wodonga.

Contact: (02) 6056 3366 Fax: (02) 6056 3466 Gateway Health 155 High Street, Wodonga Contact: (02) 6022 8888 Fax: (02) 6024 5792

Community-based Hepatitis C Treatment Services Community based treatment clinics have been developed to enable more people to access treatment in their local communities.

Ballarat

Ballarat Community Health 12 Lilburne Street, Lucas Contact: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5338 0520

Braybrook

Braybrook Community Health Service Cohealth Churchill Avenue, Braybrook

Coburg

St. Kyrollos Family Clinic 2A Moore Street, Coburg Contact: (03) 9386 0900 Fax: (03) 9386 5388

Coburg

Uniting Care Re Gen 26 Jessie Street, Coburg Contact: (03) 9386 2876

Collingwood

CoHealth (formerly North Yarra Community Health) 365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9411 3555 Fax: (03) 9411 4300 Email: info@cohealth.org.au Cohealth INNERSPACE 4 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Cranbourne

Cranbourne Intergrated Care Centre – Monash Health (Hepatitis C outreach treatment clinic as part of Southern Health Services) 140 -154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne Contact: (03) 5990 6789

Fitzroy

Cohealth 75 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9411 3555 Fax: (03) 9411 3500

Footscray

Health Works 4 –12 Buckley Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 9362 8100 Fax: (03) 9362 8180

Footscray

Cohealth Joslin clinic 575 Barkly Street, West Footscray Contact: (03) 9912 2000

Frankston

SHARPS, NSP + community health 20 Young Street, Frankston Contact: 1800 642 287

Kensington

Cohealth – Kensington Medical Clinic, 12 Gower Street, Kensington VIC 3031 Contact: (03) 8378 1600

Melbourne

Living Room, Youth Projects (Hepatitis programs – Thursdays every fortnight) 7 – 9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9662 4488 Fax: (03) 9662 4400 Email: living@youthprojects.org.au

North Melbourne

Harm Reduction Victoria (HRV) 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 1500 Email: admin@hrvic.org.au

Nunawading

Nunawading Clinic 176 Springvale Road, Nunawading Contact: (03) 9878 9191 Fax: (03) 9877 2089

Richmond

North Richmond Community Health (Hepatitis C nurse visits every Wednesday) 23 Lennox Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9418 9800 Fax: (03) 9428 2269 Email: nrch@nrch.com.au

St. Kilda

Barkley Street Medical Centre 60 Barkley Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9534 0531 Fax: (03) 9534 6159 FIRST STEP 42 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Contact: (03) 9537 3177 Fax: (03) 9537 0133 Access Health 31 Grey Street, St Kilda Contact: (03) 9076 6081 St Vincent’s Integrated Hepatitis C Service 60 Barkly Street. St Kilda Contact: (03) 9534 0531

21

Contacts Needle and Syringe Programs Warragul, Morwell, Sale La Trobe Community Health Service, Hepatitis C Nurse 1800 242 696

Wodonga Gateway Health Service 155 High Street Wodonga VIC 3690 (03) 5723 2000

Needle and Syringe Programs Alexandra Alexandra Community Health Services – Needle Exchange Program 12 Cooper Street, Alexandra Contact: (03) 5772 0900 Fax: (03) 5772 0919 Email: alexandrachs@humehealth.org.au

Altona Meadows Isis Primary Care 330 Queens Street, Altona Meadows Contact: (03) 8368 3000 Fax: (03) 9360 7534

Apollo Bay Otway Health & Community Services 75 McLachlan Street, Apollo Bay Contact: (03) 5237 8500 Fax: (03) 5237 6172 Email: otwayhealth@swarh.vic.gov.au

Bairnsdale Bairnsdale Community Health Centre – Needle and Syringe Program 48 Ross Street, Bairnsdale Contact: (03) 5152 0222 Fax: (03) 5152 1500 Email: email@brhs.com.au

Bendigo Community Health Service Mobile Drug Safety Worker 13 Helm Street, Kangaroo Flat Contact: 0409 326 460

Belgrave

Inspiro Community Health Service 1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Contact: (03) 9738 8801 Fax: (03) 9739 4689 Email: hello@inspiro.org.au

Belmont

Barwon Health – Needle and Syringe Program 1-17 Reynolds Road, Belmont Contact: (03) 4215 6800 Fax: (03) 4215 6839 Email: receptionbelmont@barwonhealth.org.au

Benalla

Benalla Community Health 45 Coster Street, Benalla Contact: (03) 5761 4222 Fax: (3) 5761 4502 Email: communityhealth@benallahealth.org.au

Bentleigh East

Bentleigh Bayside Community Health, Glen Eira Site 2A Gardeners Road, Bentleigh East Contact: (03) 9575 5333 Fax: (03) 9579 3623 Email: info@bbch.org.au

Braybrook

cohealth, Braybrook Community Centre 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook Contact: (03) 9334 6699 Fax: (03) 9312 3507

Cann River

Cann Valley Bush Nursing Centre 27 Monaro Highway, Cann River Contact: (03) 5152 6210 Fax: (03) 5158 6409

Carlton

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre 580 Swanston Street, Carlton Contact: (03) 9341 6200 Fax: (03) 9341 6279 Email: enquiries@mshc.org.au

Carlton North

cohealth, Carlton North Centre 622 Lygon Street, Carlton North Contact: (03) 9349 7333 Fax: (03) 9349 7300 Email: info@cohealth.org.au

Castlemaine

Castlemaine District Community Health Centre 13 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine Contact: (03) 5479 1000 Fax: (03) 5472 3221 Email: email@cdch.com.au

Caulfield

Caulfield Community Health Service – Alfred Health 260 Kooyong Road, Caulfield Contact (03) 9076 6666 Fax: (03) 9046 4060 Email: access@cgmc.org.au

Chelsea

Central Bayside Community Health Service 3/1 The Strand, Chelsea Contact: (03) 9782 7633 Fax: (03) 9782 7600 Email: info@cbchs.org.au

Bairnsdale Community Health Centre – Emergency Department offer needles 24/7 122 Day Street, Bairnsdale Contact: (03) 5150 3333 Fax: (03) 5152 6784 Email: email@brhs.com.au

Broadmeadows

Bendigo

Merri Community Health Services 11 Glenlyon Road, Brunswick Contact: (03) 9367 6711 Fax: (03) 9387 5417 Email: mchs@mchs.org.au

Cobram

Camperdown

Coburg

Bendigo Central Secondary NSP Bendigo Community Health Service 171 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5448 1600 After hours: Bendigo Community Health Service Mobile Outreach NSP Tuesday-Saturday 7.30-10.45pm Contact: 1800 636 514

22

Dianella Community Health 42-48 Coleraine Street, Broadmeadows Contact: (03) 8301 8888 Fax: (03) 8301 8889

Brunswick

Manifold Place Community Health Centre 140 Manifold Street, Camperdown Contact: (03) 5593 1892 Fax: (03) 5593 2010 Email: MPlace2@swh.net.au

Churchill

Latrobe Community Health Service 20 - 24 Philip Parade, Churchill Contact: 1800 242 696 Fax: (03) 8746 1100 Email: info@lchs.com.au Cobram District Health 24 - 32 Broadway Street, Cobram Contact: (03) 5871 0777 Fax: (03) 5872 2406 Merri Community Health Services 93 Bell Street, Coburg Contact: (03) 9350 4000 Fax: (03) 9350 1518 Email: mch@mchs.org.au

Cockatoo

Monash Health Community Services 7 - 17 McBride Street, Cockatoo Contact: (03) 5968 7000 Fax: (03) 5968 7030 Email: MHCAccess@monashhealth.org

Colac Colac Area Health 2-28 Connor Street, Colac Contact: (03) 5232 5100 Email: dmelville@cah.vic.gov.au Collingwood

Echuca

Echuca Regional Health 226 Service Street, Echuca Contact: (03) 5485 5000 Fax: (03) 5482 5478 Email: erhexec@erh.org.au

Eltham

Nillumbik Health 917 Main Road, Eltham Contact: (03) 9430 9100 Fax: (03) 9431 0339 Email: nchs@nillumbikhealth.org.au

cohealth 4 Johnston Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9468 2800 Fax: (03) 9417 1499 Email: info@innerspace.org.au

Epping

365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9411 4333 Fax: (03) 9411 4300 Email: info@cohealth.org.au

Euroa

Corio

Barwon Health - Needle Syringe Program 2 Gellibrand Street, Corio Contact: (03) 4215 7100 Fax: (03) 4215 7193

Corryong

Upper Murray Health and Community Services 20 Kiell Street, Corryong Contact: (03) 6076 3200 Fax: (03) 6076 1739 Email: Enquiries@umhcs.vic.gov.au

Cranbourne

Monash Health Community 140 - 154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne Contact: (03) 5990 6789 Fax: (03) 5990 6328

Dandenong

Community Access Partnership (CAP) 84 Foster Street, Dandenong Contact: (03) 9792 7630 Fax: (03) 9794 0979 Email: SEADS@monashhealth.org.au

Drysdale

Bellarine Community Health 21 Palmerstone Street, Drysdale Contact: (03) 5251 2291 Fax: (03) 5258 0864

Eaglehawk

Bendigo Community Health Services, Eaglehawk 3 Seymoure Street Eaglehawk Contact: (03) 5434 4300 Fax: (03) 5434 4355 Email: bchs@bchs.com.au

Plenty Valley Community Health 187 Cooper Street, Epping Contact: (03) 9409 8787 Fax: (03) 9408 9508 Euroa Health 36 Kennedy Street, Euroa Contact: (03) 5795 0200 Fax: (03) 5795 0240 Email: eh@euroahealth.com.au

Fitzroy

Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre 54-62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 8413 8413 Fax: (03) 9416 3420 Email: info_group@turningpoint.org.au cohealth 75 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9411 3555 Fax: (03) 9411 3500 Email: info@cohealth.org.au

Footscray

Health Works, cohealth 4 -12 Buckley Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 9362 8100 Fax: (03) 8362 8180

Frankston

Frankston City Council 30 Davey Street, Frankston Contact: (03) 9784 1888 Fax: (03) 9784 1094 Frankston Integrated Health Centre 12-32 Hastings Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9784 8100 Fax: (03) 9784 8149 Southern Hepatitis/HIV/AIDS Resources & Prevention Services (SHARPS) 20 Young Street, Frankston Contact: (03) 9781 1622 Fax: (03) 9781 3669 Email: customer.relation@phcn.vic.gov.au

Geelong

Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative 62 Morgan Street, Geelong North Contact: (03) 5277 2038 Fax: (03) 5277 3537 Email: healthservice@wathaurong.org.au

Glenroy Youth Projects – Foot Patrol Needle and Syringe Program 6 Hartington Street, Glenroy Contact: (03) 9304 9100 Fax: (03) 9304 9111 admin@youthprojects.org.au

Gisborne Macedon Ranges Health 5 Neal Street, Gisborne Contact: (03) 5428 0300 Fax: (03) 5428 0399 Email: healthcare@mrh.org.au

Greensborough Banyule Community Health Service, Greensborough Centre – Needle Syringe Program Unit 3, 25-33 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough Contact: (03) 9433 5111 Fax: (03) 9435 8922 Email: banyule@bchc.org.au

Hastings Hastings Community Health Service 185 High Street, Hastings Contact: (03) 5971 9100 Fax: (03) 5971 9106

Hawthorn Swinburne University Health Services Level 4, George Swinburne Building, 34 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn Contact: (03) 9214 8483 Fax: (03) 9818 7548 Email: healthservice@swin.edu.au

Healesville Healesville & District Hospital – Needle Exchange Program 377 Maroondah Highway, Healesville Contact: (03) 5962 4300 Fax: (03) 5962 3429

Heidelberg West Banyule Community Health Service – Needle Syringe Program 21 Alamein Road, Heidelberg West Contact: (03) 9450 2000 Fax: (03) 9459 5808 Email: banyule@bchs.org.au

23

Contacts Horsham

Melbourne

Wimmera Health Care Group 83 Baillie Street, Horsham Contact: (03) 5381 9111 Fax: (03) 5381 9196 Email info@whcg.org.au

Melbourne City Council 200 Little Collins Street, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9658 9658 Fax: (03) 9658 9685

Melton

Kangaroo Flat

Djerriwarrh Health Service Yuille Street, Melton Contact: (03) 8746 1100 Fax: (03) 9743 8640

Bendigo Community Health Services, Kangaroo Flat Site 13 Helm Street, Kangaroo Flat Contact: (03) 5430 0500 Fax: (03) 5430 0544 Email: bchs@bchs.com.au

Mildura

Kyneton

Sunraysia Community Health Service 137 Thirteenth Street, Mildura Contact: (03) 5022 5444 Fax: (03) 5022 5445 Email: schs@schs.com.au

Lakes Entrance

Latrobe Community Health Services 42-44 Fowler Street, Moe Contact: 1800 242 696 Fax: (03) 5127 7002 Email: info@lchs.com.au

Leongatha

Mornington Community Information and Support Centre 320 Main Street, Mornington Contact: (03) 5975 1644 Fax: (03) 5975 5423 Email: manager@mcisc.org.au

Cobaw Community Health Service 47 High Street, Kyneton Contact: (03) 5421 1666 Fax: (03) 5422 2161 Email: admin@cobaw.org.au Gippsland Lakes Community Health Centre 18-26 Jemmeson Street, Lakes Entrance Contact: (03) 5155 8300 Fax: (03) 5155 4057 Email: contact@glch.org.au Gippsland Southern Health Services Koonwarra Road, Leongatha Contact: (03) 5667 5555 Fax: (03) 5667 5516 Email: info@gshs.com.au

Lilydale

Inspiro Community Health Service 17 Clarke Street, Lilydale Contact: (03) 9738 8801 Fax: (03) 9739 4689 Email: hello@inspiro.org.au

Lucas

Ballarat Community Health Centre – Needle Syringe Program 12 Lilburne Street, Lucas Contact: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5332 6617 Email: info@bchc.org.au

Mansfield

Mansfield District Hospital 53 Highett Street, Mansfield Contact: (03) 5775 8800 Fax: (03) 5775 1352 Email: reception.main@mdh.org.au

Maryborough

Community Services Maryborough 75-87 Clarendon Street, Maryborough Contact: (03) 5461 0400 Fax: (03) 5461 4489

24

Moe

Mornington

Morwell

Latrobe Community Health Service 81-87 Buckley Street, Morwell Contact: 1800 242 696 Fax: (03) 5136 5450 Email: info@lchs.com.au

Myrtleford

Gateway Health 32 Smith Street, Myrtleford Contact: (03) 5731 3500 Fax: (03) 5751 1822 Email: info@gatewayhealth.org.au

Newcomb

Newcomb Community Health Centre – Needle Syringe Program 104-108 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb Contact: (03) 4215 7520 Fax: (03) 4215 7795 Email: receptionnewcomb@barwonhealth.org.au

Northcote

Darebin Distric Health Service 42 Separation Street, Northcote Contact: (03) 9403 1200 Fax: (03) 9482 3690 Email: info@dch.org.au

Nowa Nowa

Nowa Nowa Community Health 6 Bridge Street, Nowa Nowa Contact: (03) 5155 7294 Fax: (03) 5155 7296 Email: email@nnch.org.au

Orbost

Orbost Regional Health 104-107 Boundary Road, Orbost Contact: (03) 5154 6666 Fax: (03) 5154 2366 Email: orh@orh.com.au

Pakenham

Monash Health Community 66-70 Princess Highway, Pakenham Contact: (03) 5941 0500 Fax: (03) 5941 0542 Email: mhcaccess@monashhealth.org

Portarlington

Bellarine Community Health 39 Fenwick Street, Portarlington Contact: (03) 5258 6140 Fax: (03) 5258 0864 Email: intake@bch.org.au

Portland

Portland District Health 141-151 Bentinck Street, Portland Contact: (03) 5521 0333 Fax: (03) 5521 8162 Email: pdh@swarh.vic.gov.au

Prahran

Inner South Community health Needle Exchange Program 240 Malvern Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9525 1300 Fax: (03) 9521 2474 Email: adminenquiries@ischs.org.au

Reservoir East

Darebin Community Health 125 Blake Street, Reservoir East Contact: (03) 8470 1111 Fax: (03) 8470 1107 Email: info@dch.org.au

Richmond

North Richmond Community Health Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) 23 Lennox Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9418 9800 Fax: (03) 9428 2269

Ringwood

EACH Ltd 46 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood Contact: 1300 003 224 Fax: (03) 9870 4688 Email: info@each.com.au

Ringwood East

Stawell

EACH Ltd 75 Patterson Street, Ringwood East Contact: (03) 9837 3999 Fax: (03) 9879 6356 Email: info@each.com.au

Stawell Health & Community Centre 8-22 Patrick Street, Stawell Contact: (03) 5358 7400 Fax: (03) 5358 4113 Email: gch@grampianscommunityhealth.org.au

Rosebud

St. Kilda

Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre 878 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud Contact: (03) 5986 1285 Fax: (03) 5982 2601 Email: admin@spcsic.org

San Remo San Remo Community Services 1 Back Beach Road, San Remo Contact: (03) 5671 9200 Fax: (03) 5678 5595

Sebastopol Ballarat Community Health Centre Doctors Clinic – Needle and Syringe Program 260 Vickers Street, Sebastopol Contact: (03) 5338 4585

Shepparton Primary Care Connect 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton Contact: (03) 5823 3200 Fax: (03) 5823 3299 Email: support@primarycareconnect.com.au

South Melbourne Inner South Community Health Services 341 Coventry Street, South Melbourne Contact: (03) 9690 9144 Fax: (03) 9696 7228 Email: adminenquiries@ischs.org.au

South Yarra Victorian AIDS Council/ Gay Men’s Health Centre 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra Contact: (03) 9865 6700 Fax: (03) 9826 2700 Email: enquiries@vac.org.au

Springvale Monash Health Community 55 Buckingham Avenue, Springvale Contact: (03) 8558 9080 OR (03) 8558 9000 Fax: (03) 8558 9011 Email: intakeGDCHS@southernhealth.org.au

St. Albans Isis Primary Care 1 Andrea Street, St. Albans Contact: (03) 9296 1200 Fax: (03) 9366 2086

Inner South Community Health Services 18 Mitford Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9534 0981 Fax: (03) 9525 3730 Resourcing Health and Education in the Sex industry (RhED) 10 Inkerman Street, St. Kilda Contact: 1800 458 752 Fax: (03) 9525 4492 Email: sexworker@sexworker.org.au Salvation Army Health Information Exchange 29 Grey Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9536 7703 Fax: (03) 9536 7778

Sunbury Sunbury Community Health Centre 12-28 Macedon Street, Sunbury Contact: (03) 9744 4455 Fax: (03) 9744 6777 Email: admin@sunburychc.org.au

Timboon Timboon & District Healthcare Services 21 Hospital Road, Timboon Contact: (03) 5558 6000 Fax: (03) 5598 3565 Email: timboon@swarh.voc.gov.au

Torquay Torquay Community Health Centre – Needle and Syringe Program 100 Surf Coast Highway, Torquay Contact: (03) 4215 7800 Fax: (03) 4215 7843 Email: chrisinfoaccess@barwonhealth.or.au

Traralgon Latrobe Community Health Services Seymour Street, Traralgon Contact: 1800 242 696 Fax: (03) 5171 1470 Email: info@lchs.com.au

Wangaratta Gateway Health 45-47 Mackay Street, Wangaratta Contact: (03) 5723 2000 Fax: (03) 5722 2313 Email: info@gatewayhealth.org.au

Northeast Health 35-47 Green Street, Wangaratta Contact: (03) 5722 5239 Fax: (03) 5722 4382 Email: enquiries@nhw.hume.org.au

Warragul West Gippsland Healthcare Group Community Services Division 31-35 Gladstone Street, Warragul Contact: (03) 5624 3500 Fax: (03) 5624 3555 Email: info@wghg.conm.au

Warrnambool

Brophy Family & Youth Services 210 Timor Street, Warrnambool Contact: (03) 5561 8888 Fax: (03) 5561 8816 Email: admin@brophy.org.au Warrnambool Community Health Koroit Street, Warrnambool Contact: (03) 5563 4000 Fax: (03) 5563 1669

Wendouree

Ballarat Community Health Centre – Needle and Syringe Program 10 Learmonth Road, Wendouree Contact: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5339 3044 Email: info@bchc.org.au

Wodonga

Gateway Community Health, Wodonga 155 High Street, Wodonga Contact: (02) 6022 8888 Fax: (02) 6024 5792

Wonthaggi

Bass Coast Health – Needle Syringe Program 237 Graham Street, Wonthaggi Contact: (03) 5671 3333 Fax: (03) 5671 3300

Yarra Junction Yarra Valley Community Health – Needle Exchange Program 2475 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction Contact: 1300 342 255 Fax: (03) 5962 3429

Yarrawonga Yarrawonga Health 33 Piper Street, Yarrawonga Contact: (03) 5743 8111 Fax: (03) 5743 8118 Yea & District Memorial Hospital 45 Station Street, Yea Contact: (03) 5736 0400 Fax: (03) 5797 2391

25

Contacts Alcohol and Drug Programs, Primary Health Care Centres (for PWID) Alcohol and Drug Programs Bayswater Anglicare Victoria 666 Mountain Highway, Bayswater Contact: (03) 9721 3688

Cobaw

Mildura

Drug Treatment Services 137 Thirteenth Street, Mildura Contact: (03) 5021 7694 Fax: (03) 5021 7695 Email: schs@schs.com.au

Portland

Jigsaw Youth Health Service Yarra Street, Geelong Contact: 1300 094 187 Fax: (03) 4215 8298

Craigieburn

Portland District Health 141-151 Bentinck Street, Portland Contact: (03) 5521 0333 Fax: (03) 5521 8162 Email: pdh@swarh.vic.gov.au

Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) Level 1, 131 Johnston Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 9415 8881 Fax: (03) 9415 8882 Email: reception@ysas.org.au Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre 54-62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Contact: (03) 8413 8413 Fax: (03) 9416 3420 Email: info_group@turningpoint.org.au

Frankston Anglicare Victoria Level 2 / 60-64 Wells Street, Frankston Contact: (03) 9781 6700 Frankston Integrated Health Centre 12-32 Hastings Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9784 8100 Fax: (03) 9784 8149

Geelong Barwon Health – Alcohol and Drug Services 40 Little Malop Street, Geelong Contact: (03) 5273 4000 Fax: (03) 5273 4044

Lucas Ballarat Community Health Centre – Mobile Drug Support Worker 12 Lilburne Street, Lucas Contact: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5332 6617 Email: info@bchc.org.au

Melbourne Druginfo Level 12, 607 Bourke Street, Melbourne Contact: 1300 85 85 84 Fax: (03) 8672 5983

26

Geelong

North Melbourne

Harm Reduction Victoria 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 1500 Fax: (03) 9329 1501

Fitzroy

Eaglehawk Community House 19 Bright Street, Eaglehawk Barwon Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services 40 Little Malop Street, Geelong Contact: (03) 4215 8792 Fax: (03) 4215 8793

Cobaw Community Health Service 47 High Street, Kyneton Contact: (03) 5421 1666 Fax: (03) 5422 2161 Email: admin@cobaw.org.au Anglicare Victoria 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn Contact: (03) 9483 2401

Eaglehawk

Preston

Anglicare Victoria 42 Mary Street, Preston Contact: (03) 8470 9999

Richmond

Drug Safety Program 23 Lennox Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9418 9800 Fax: (03) 9428 2269

Werribee

Anglicare Victoria 2 Market Road, Werribee Contact: (03) 9731 2500

Primary Health Care Centres (for PWID) Melbourne

Living Room, Youth Projects (Hepatitis programs – Thursdays every fortnight) 7 – 9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9662 4488 Fax: (03) 9662 4400 Email: living@youthprojects.org.au

North Melbourne Harm Reduction Victoria (HRV) 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 1500 Fax: (03) 9329 1501

Regional Services

These contacts are able to provide information about local viral hepatitis related services as well as active support groups.

Bendigo

Bendigo Health Lucan Street, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5454 6000 Fax: (03) 5454 8419

Healesville

Yarra Valley Community Health Service (Once per month clinic- hepatis clinic Contact: 1300 130 381 Fax: (03) 5962 3429

Lucas

Ballarat Community Health 12 Lilburn Street, lucas Telephone: (03) 5338 4500 Fax: (03) 5338 0520 Email: info@bchc.org.au

Mildura

Sunraysia Community Health Centre 137 Thirteenth Street, Mildura Contact: (03) 5022 5444 Fax: (03) 5022 5445 Email: schs@schs.com.au

Mornington

The Bays Hospital Vale Street, Mornington Contact: (03) 5975 2009 Fax: (03) 5975 2373

Morwell

Moe Community Health Centre 81-87 Buckley Street, Morwell Contact: 1800 242 696 Fax: (03) 5136 5450 Email: info@lchs.com.au

Portland

Glenelg Southern Grampians (Drug Treatment Service) Bentinck Street, Portland Contact: (03) 5521 0350 Fax: (03) 5521 0625 Email: pdhspecialistcentre@swarh.vic.gov.au Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (Community Health Centre) 18 Wellington Rd, Portland VIC 3305 Contact: (03) 5521 7535 Fax: (03) 55211299

Contacts Related Health Services, Sexual Health, and Rural Services Shepparton Primary Care Connect 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton Telephone: (03) 5823 3200 Fax: (03) 5823 3299

Tatura Tatura Medical Centre 4 Thomson Street, Tatura Telephone: (03) 5824 1244 Fax: (03) 5824 2551

Torquay Surf Coast Health Service - Barwon Health 100 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay Telephone: (03) 4215 7850 Fax: (03) 4215 7889

Traralgon Latrobe Regional Hospital Princess Highway, Traralgon Contact: (03) 5173 8000 Fax: (03) 5173 8444

Wangaratta Gateway Health 45-47 Mackay Street, Wangaratta Telephone: (03) 5723 2000 Fax: (03) 57222313 Email: infowang@gatewayhealth.org.au

Warragul West Gippsland Hospital Landsborough Street, Warragul Contact: (03) 5623 0611 Fax: (03) 5622 6403 Email: info@wghg.com.au

Warrnambool Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD) 172 Merri Street Warnambool 1300 009 723 Fax: (03) 5564 5700 Email: wrad@wrad.org.au

Wendouree Ballarat Oncology and Haematology Services 1117 Howitt Street, Wendouree Contact: (03) 5339 8000 Fax: (03) 5339 8111

Related Health Services Carlton

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (Information on state and federal equal opportunity laws and programs) Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Calrton Telephone 1300 891 848 Fax: 1300 891 858 Email: information@veohrc.vic.gov.au Web: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au

Hampton East

Haemophilia Foundation Victoria 13 Keith St, Hampton East, VIC 3188 Contact: (03) 9555 7595 Fax: (03) 95557375 Email: info@hfv.org.au

Prahran

Alfred– HIV:Hepatitis:STI Education and Resource Centre (Statewide resource centre on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmissible Infections) 8 Moubray Street, Prahran Telephone: (03) 9076 6993 Fax: (03) 9076 5294 Email: erc@alfred.org.au Web: www.alfredhealth.org.au

Melbourne

Health Services Commissioner 26th Floor, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Free call: 1300 582 113 Fax: (03) 9032 3111 Email: hsc@dhhs.vic.gov.au Cancer Council Victoria – Living with Cancer Education Program 615 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne Contact: 13 11 20 Fax: (03) 9514 6800 Email: enquiries@cancervic.org.au

Sexual Health

Era Health 563 Bourke Street, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9944 6200 Fax: (03) 9944 6290 Email: info@erahealth.com.au

North Melbourne

Ilbijerri Theatre Company 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 9097 Fax: (03) 9329 9105 Email: info@ilbijerri.com.au

Richmond

Multicultural Health and Support Services (HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmissible infections) 23 Lennox Street, Richmond.

Telephone: (03) 9418 9929 Fax: (03) 9421 4662 Email: enquiries@ceh.org.au Go to: www.ceh.org.au/mhss.aspx

Southbank

Straight Arrow Suite 1, 111 Coventry Street, Southbank Contact: (03) 9863 9414 Fax: (03) 9863 9421 Email: information@straightarrows.org.au

South Yarra

Victorian AIDS Council 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra Contact: (03) 9865 6700 Fax: (03) 9826 2700 Email: enquiries@vac.org.au

St. Kilda

Royal District Nursing Services (RDNS) 31 Alma Road, St. Kilda Contact: 1300 33 44 55

Box Hill

Rural Services

Carlton

Barwon Health – BRASH Clinic Outpatients Annexe, 66 Bellerine Street, Geelong Contact: (03) 4215 0000 Fax: (03) 4215 1378

Family Planning Victoria 901 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill Contact: (03) 9257 0100 Fax: (03) 9257 0112 Email: fpv@fpv.org.au

Wodonga

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre 580 Swanston Street, Carlton Contact: (03) 9341 6200 Free call: 1800 032 017 Web: www.mshc.org.au

Gateway Health 155 High Street, Wodonga Contact: (02) 6022 8888 Fax: (02) 6024 5792 Email: info@gateqayhealth.org.au

Red Aware Level 2 South Tower 485 la Trobe Street, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9670 6171 Email: resources@yeah.org.au

Melbourne

Geelong

Portland

Portland District Health Bentinck Street, Portland Contact: (03) 5521 0333 Fax: (03) 5521 0388

Warrnambool

Warrnambool Base Hospital Ryot Street, Warrnambool Contact: (03) 5563 1666 Fax: (03) 5563 1660

27

Hepatitis Infoline Call the Hepatitis Infoline to talk about: Information: We can answer questions and mail information to you.

Support: We can provide support for a range of issues and concerns.

Referral: We can refer you to other organisations and services.

The Hepatitis Infoline is a free and confidential service for all Victorians.

Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

1800 703 003 Your donations make a difference!

Y

our donations help us to provide information, services, advocacy, resources and support for people affected by viral hepatitis, health profess­ionals and members of the general

public. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

If you do not receive your receipt promptly, then please call Hepatitis Victoria on 03 9380 4644, or email: admin@hepvic.org.au

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Please send my receipt to:

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I have enclosed my cheque/money order/cash or Please debit my credit card for $______

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Postcode State Send to: Hepatitis Victoria

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Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road

Brunswick, Victoria 3056