The Newsletter of Hepatitis Victoria
March 2014
Good Liver
New Year New Beginnings What’s new in treatment, testing and training
What’s new in treatment?
What’s new in testing?
Jade Ribbon Hepatitis B Awareness launch
New antiviral therapies in development pave the way forward for Interferon-free therapies. They are highly effective, safe and tolerable!
People may agree to be tested more readily if they do not have to attend another location, or attend at a later date to have the test done.
An event which was held to raise awareness of hepatitis B among Asian Australian communities and the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer.
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Staff
Contents
Contact and postal address:
Melanie Eagle
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Communiqué
In addition, less than 3% of people with
Then there are new ways of getting the
From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer.
hepatitis B are currently receiving
Hepatitis Victoria
CEO Telephone: 9385 9102 melanie@hepvic.org.au
message out to be pursued. In a novel
antiviral treatment.
development for Hepatitis Victoria we are
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In the news
Hence the critical need to make testing for
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
Garry Irving Programs and Operations Manager Telephone: 9385 9109 garryi@hepvic.org.au Lisa Nulty Office Coodinator Telephone: 9380 4644 admin@hepvic.org.au Judi Brewster Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9111 Judi@hepvic.org.au Kristy Garner Development Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9105 kristy@hepvic.org.au Marg Sutherland Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9103 marg@hepvic.org.au Melissa Wright Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9104 melissa@hepvic.org.au Garry Sattell Community Support Services Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9110 garry@hepvic.org.au
Autumn edition 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. Images are used for illustrative purposes only and have no connection to hepatitis.
Reader response Your comments or experiences in regard to any articles in the Good Liver are welcome. Call, write or email: alicia@hepvic.org.au
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Alicia Lowndes Marketing, Communications and Online Services Coordinator Telephone: 9385 9107 alicia@hepvic.org.au Claire Ferrier Community Participation Officer Telephone: 9385 9106 claire@hepvic.org.au Shinen Wong Health Promotion Officer Telephone: 9385 9108 Shinen@hepvic.org.au Jane Little Hepatitis Champions Project Officer Telephone: 9380 4644 Jane@hepvic.org.au
Communique
From the desk of the Chief Executive Officer
hepatitis more accessible. As discussed
What’s new in treatment?
The beginning of the end for hepatitis C.
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What’s new in testing?
inside, there are techniques used elsewhere for brining quick and convenient testing services to the places where people are likely to use them. Even in Victoria such “rapid”
Rapid testing.
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Jade Ribbon Hepatitis B Awareness launch
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B Informed
Hepatitis B in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
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Hepatitis B and C fast facts What’s new in Health promotion? Phillip Seymour Hoffman
or “point of care” testing is used for other conditions. Why not for hepatitis? This is a topic we will be exploring in our first members breakfast seminar in early April.
NEW YEAR NEW BEGINNINGS
equipped to go out and spread the word, influence decision makers, and advocate for change. Finally, as also explained inside, this organisation is implementing new and creative ways of supporting people living with chronic hepatitis and working with them to be empowered to manage their condition.
However, new testing techniques are not enough. More people, particularly those
The task of responding to viral hepatitis
at risk, need to be made aware of the
in our community remains huge. It is still
importance of being tested. To this end
under-recognised and under-resourced. But
with new things – hence the symbol of
Hepatitis Victoria is reaching out to new
in the face of this there are opportunities and
communities. Alerting them to the issues and
possibilities that we will seize on to creatively
urging them to get tested. Inside you can read
address this challenge.
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seedlings and new growth.
Reigniting the addiction debate.
There are changes afoot and new
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What’s new in advocacy?
developments.
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A personal story
We need to be flexible and maximise
When I get there.
new opportunities.
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Liver clinics list
Treatments for people with hepatitis C is an
Contacts
area of likely dramatic change over the next
Cover drawing:
new drugs are in the pipeline, bringing the
Ray Hehr, Swivel Design.
‘Community Advocates’. They then will be
his edition of Good Liver is bursting
What’s new in Chronic Disease Self-Management
training up individual champions to be
about how we are doing this by using ethnic media, forming a Vietnamese support group,
All of us committed to a state free of viral
and joining in events such as the Jade Ribbon
hepatitis, as we are here at Hepatitis Victoria,
Festival at Federation Square.
Melanie Eagle CEO
need to keep abreast of these changes.
few years. As is explained inside, many prospect of reduced time on treatment, less side effects, and more successful outcomes. A challenge will be ensuring those new treatments are available to the many who need them at an affordable price.
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But before people can be treated they must know they are living with hepatitis. This may seem obvious. Yet despite the potential severity of the condition, our diagnosis rates in Australia are low – and so then are our prospects for treatment, management and care. Alarmingly, less that 2% of people with hepatitis C in Australia seek treatment each year.
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In the news
Excerpts from recently released reports Unlimited syringes OK’d for Baltimore The Maryland Senate has approved a measure to allow drug users to get more than one clean needle at one time in Baltimore’s needle exchange program. The Senate voted 39-5 on Thursday for the bill, which now goes to the House. The measure repeals a requirement that needles be exchanged on a one-for-one basis. Other cities have expanded such programs to cut down on disease spread by intravenous drug use. Baltimore’s health department says the program serves about 2,500 people annually and exchanges about 200 needles for each of them.
Almost three-quarters of new users in NSW took performance and image enhancing drugs, predominantly steroids, according to the latest Australian Needle Syringe Program survey. Demand among young men wanting rapid muscle gain has tripled in the past decade, sparking alarm about the health risks of steroids, including increased violence by some users. “Steroid use is creeping more and more into younger people,” said the president of the Australian Medical Association, Steve Hambleton. “It comes with this wish to win at all costs and to attain the perfect body immediately. We worry about our girls with body image but it is just as
MedicineList+ NPS MedicineWise has launched a new app, MedicineList+, designed to help people manage medicines and record why they are taking them, as well as record other important health information including test results. The MedicineList+ app will be a great help to anyone who takes medicines, but especially people who take three or more prescription, over-the-counter or complementary medicines every day. Find out more and download from www.nps.org.au/medicinelist-plus
much young men we need to worry about now.” Read the full article at more: www.smh.com.au/national/health
Read the full article at www. washington.cbslocal.com
Charting Health Impacts Study findings released Peak bodies support needle vending machines Victoria’s peak bodies for harm reduction and blood borne viruses issued media releases in support for the City of Yarra’s clean needle initiative and dispensing machines, a move supported by Hepatitis Victoria. Most people acquire hepatitis C due to a lack of access to sterile injecting equipment. Hepatitis Victoria see’s firsthand the traumatic and life-threatening effects this has. Secure dispensing units are a logical next step, offering a safe way of providing 24-hour access to equipment and reducing harm. Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association’s (VAADA) media release outlined their support for the Victorian Government in implementing needle and syringe dispensing machines in existing drug hot spots, as well as areas where there is limited access to sterile injecting equipment. Mr Sam Biondo, EO of VAADA, said, “the provision of sterile injecting equipment through dispensing machines is a cost effective means of providing 24 hour access and therefore further reducing the prevalence and spread of blood borne viruses.” VAADA’s release also stated that in Australia:
• Between 2000 and 2009 an estimated 96,667 hepatitis C and 32,050 HIV infections were averted by needle and syringe programs;
• each dollar spent on needle and syringe programs achieves a return on investment of $10 over a 10 year period;
• needle and syringe programs reduce the level of publicly discarded injecting paraphernalia; and
• between 20 – 33% of injecting drug users do not have ready access to sterile injecting equipment.
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The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University has released the findings from the Charting Health Impacts Study (CHI). The study aimed to document how people with hepatitis C respond to changes in health and social well-being over time, and to determine patterns of health and support service utilisation. Data was collected from 170 people in Australia with hepatitis C. There were 62% female and 48% male and ages ranged from 11 to 65 years old.
(Pic – Steroids)
New health apps
A glimpse of the future – The rapid pace of progress in hepatology
Tell My Geo
The clinical practice of hepatology promises to change dramatically
Tell My Geo is a smartphone application that can be used to find or
Most men and women described their health as good (32%), very good (18%) or excellent (3%) with just over half (51%) reported that their health did not limit moderate activities in a typical day.
track a loved one, typically to keep track of elderly loved ones with
Just under half of the participants (49%) reported other health conditions affecting their quality of life, with most conditions relating to mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. A significantly higher proportion of older (73%) than younger (48%) people reported that hepatitis C limited their ability to work/study.
looked after, the other for the carer. The carer can push a button to
The results of the survey will be used to inform community organisations, doctors and governments about what it is really like to live with hepatitis C. A full copy of the report and findings is available from ARCSHS website www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs.
Rise in injecting steroids among young men Data from the Kirby Institute has revealed a concerning trend in young men who inject drugs. The research shows that steroids are now more popular than either methamphetamine or heroin. As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, steroids are now five times more popular among new injecting users than a decade ago, with two out of three men in this group taking steroids the last time they injected.
dementia.
generated by research presented at The Liver Meeting, the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
The app requires at least two phones, one for the person being find out the exact whereabouts of the care recipient’s phone and set it up to send regular updates of location points.
in the next few years. This optimistic view is based on the excitement
Read more about the app at
www.carersvictoria.org.au
Investigators highlighted the pace of progress in understanding common forms of liver disease, such as viral hepatitis, cholestasis, and fatty liver disease. Of specific interest, presentations focused on the availability of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options, which present a strong, cogent argument for an enhanced screening methodology to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. Included in the new developments was the prospect of a hepatitis C free future. The successful development of targeted therapies for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) was clearly evident. Several companies are vying to be the first to offer an all-oral, Interferon free strategy. On the near horizon is the promise that a cocktail of agents, constructed on the basis of synergistic mechanisms of action, will be available for clinicians to wisely, effectively, and safely treat patients with HCV infection. A major advance noted was the validation of regimens that are devoid of Interferon and, in some cases, Ribavirin. Read the full report from the meeting at www.medscape.com Source: William F. Balistreri, MD, Medscape Gatroenterology, December 2013.
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What’s new in treatment The beginning of the end of hepatitis C
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hese are promising times for people living with hepatitis C. On 1 April 2013, innovative new treatments for hepatitis C
genotype 1 became available in Australia, and more are expected to follow for all genotypes as clinical trials continue over the next few years.
Very low or no side effects
The participants were given any of three combinations of antiviral drugs, medications called ABT- 450, ABT- 267, and ABT- 333 for 8, 12 or 24 weeks. Almost all of the patients (more than 93 percent in both groups) saw the virus cleared from within 24 weeks.
In one of the studies two direct acting antiviral drugs, Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir are taken for 12 or 24 weeks, with or without the addition of Ribavirin. Studies show that the experimental drugs were safe and effective, even those who’d had earlier failed standard Interferon therapy showed good results with minimal side effects.
that will significantly reduce the side-effects of hepatitis C treatment,
Antiviral therapies in development pave the way forward for Interferon-
“Even in patients with prior non-response to Interferon/Ribavirin therapy had good results in this study, this all-oral regimen for 12 weeks can achieve a cure in the vast majority of patients. It is safe
while making the whole process much quicker, simpler, more
free therapies; they are highly effective, safe and tolerable!
and well-tolerated” the study concluded.
tolerable and far more effective in curing all hepatitis C genotypes.
The first wave of antiviral therapies were introduced in Australia in April 2013 when Tepaprevir or Boceprevir, (both direct acting antivirals) were added to the standard Interferon therapy for hepatitis genotype 1.
Current therapies for hepatitis C depend on the type of hepatitis C you have. You may be offered a triple combination of Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin and Boceprevir or Teleprevir if you have hepatitis C genotype 1 and you may need as little as 6 months therapy thanks to the introduction of these direct acting antiviral therapies.
the treatment of hepatitis C and Daclatasvir is still in the approval
C genotypes remains the same as it has been for many years. This
process. These are only two drugs in long list of drugs in development
involves a combination of weekly Pegylated Interferon injections and
and being studied for effectiveness, safety and side effect tolerability.
daily Ribavirin tablets.
The future is very promising
Two studies, both published in the January 16 issue of the New
England Journal of Medicine, involved giving various combinations of direct acting antiviral drugs to patients with hepatitis C. Some had failed to respond to standard Interferon therapies, and some had not received therapy as yet. In the studies between 93 percent
consider depending on the situation of the patient. For instance it’s likely that some combinations of antivirals will be more effective than for treating people with more advanced liver disease. So the hope of a cure is being considerably widened for many people living with
The first wave of antiviral therapies were introduced in Australia in April 2013 when Tepaprevir or Boceprevir, (both direct acting antivirals) were added to the standard Interferon therapy for
to be cured with the right combinations of drugs.
hepatitis genotype 1.
With Interferon based therapies it is often a case of ‘if I get cured’ with
Whilst we are seeing significantly better outcomes, with up to 80% of people with genotype 1 now being cured, patients are also dealing with significant side effects, including, increased skin rash and anemia, as well as the Interferon and Ribavirin side effects which can include flu-like symptoms, anemia, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Antiviral drugs still in the development or trial stages are proving to have very few side effects and the question of side effect tolerability may also become a thing of the past once these
Photo Franco Giovanella/Stock Exchange
new therapies become available.
Non-Interferon therapies are on the way
http://hcvdrugs.com
The importance of monitoring liver health as you wait for new therapies
The next step is to keep pushing for better hepatitis C and liver
health screening for all people with hepatitis C, so that patients can receive therapy before they develop serious liver disease. This is very important as cirrhosis reduces the success rate of all hepatitis therapies and cirrhosis remains as a serious chronic illness even after hepatitis C has been cured. Undertaking hepatitis C therapy before the onset of serious scarring or cirrhosis is very important for successful therapy and to reduce your chances of liver failure or liver cancer.
end of Interferon in sight and with many specialists talking about
Medical Center in Seattle, involved more than eight medical centers
the potential to eradicate hepatitis C from the community.
hepatitis C, some of whom had not received treatment previously and
If you are thinking about for undertaking standard Interferon/Ribavirin therapy check out the:
Hepatitis C: Treatment Side Effect Management Guide www.hepvic.org.au/hepatitis_resources Or talk to your treatment specialist about your current liver health and what your treatment options are.
The future of hepatitis C therapies is very bright indeed with the
The second study, headed up by researchers at Virginia Mason in the United States and internationally. It included 571 patients with
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www.hivandhepatitis.com
others for treating past non-responders to Interferon therapies or
These antiviral combinations are game-changers for the people living
these new antiviral therapies it’s more a case ‘when I get cured’.
www.hepatitisaustralia.com/ treatment-for-hep-c/
there will be a range of antiviral options for treatment specialist to
hepatitis C.
with these new direct-acting antivirals, almost everyone can appear
Or go to these websites to find out more:
As these experimental drugs are approved and become available
and 98 percent of patients cleared the virus.
with hepatitis C who are considering therapy. Studies indicate that
Hepatitis Infoline 1800 703 003
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Sofosbuvir for
For now, the therapy plan for Australians living with other hepatitis
Photo Iwan Beijes/Stock Exchange
This was the first step towards achieving an interferon-free treatment
To find out more about new and emerging therapies for hepatitis C call the:
This may be the beginning of the end of hepatitis C!
others who had previously received standard therapies with interferon
Garry Sattell
Sources: New England Journal of Medicine and Hepatitis Australia
injections and ribavirin, but had not responded to them.
Community Support Services Coordinator
information was used to inform this editorial.
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What’s new in testing
Rapid testing
V
iral hepatitis is undiagnosed in many
point of care testing, but can again be offered
people throughout the world including
at locations which are convenient to people
Australia. An undiagnosed infection will
who have increased risk for viral hepatitis.
negatively affect the person who has
An undiagnosed infection prevents the
the infection, those close to them, their
individual from taking steps to look after their
community and health care services in the
health. The person will not access services
future. There is much to be gained from
essential to treating or managing their
increased diagnosis of viral hepatitis.
infection. Infections, which are not optimally
When an infection is not diagnosed, the
managed, can lead to serious adverse
effects upon health are left unchecked.
consequences and early death.
Infections that are not being managed can result in worse health outcomes. There
There are many tests for different conditions,
is also a greater risk of transmission to
which can be done ‘on the spot’. Examples
other people when infections are not
are blood sugar testing and urine pregnancy
diagnosed. Those at risk of transmission
tests. Why isn’t this done for viral hepatitis,
will be oblivious to the heightened need
particularly when so many people are
to take measures to protect themselves.
currently undiagnosed?
Undiagnosed infections contribute to more
A service that provides results quickly for
people becoming infected and affected by
HIV testing began in Melbourne last year.
hepatitis B and C.
Services that can increase people’s ease
Health and community services have a
of being tested for hepatitis B and C are
responsibility to enhance people’s access to
urgently required to promote and motivate
testing and therefore reduce the number of
people to access testing.
undiagnosed viral hepatitis infections.
Melissa Wright
Point of care testing
Health Promotion Officer
Making it easier for people to be tested is one way of reducing the number of
day the test is taken can reduce this period
point of care consultation can be counselled
undiagnosed infections. Testing which
of distress.
as to how they can reduce their specific
An important element to point of care
risks and advised of the necessity of repeat
can be offered and undertaken outside of traditional settings may make it easier for people to be tested.
testing is that a discussion can occur about
testing at future intervals. A response to
individualized risk during the time between
either a negative or positive point of care
A point of care test is offered to people at
undertaking the test and the results coming
test is necessary for point of care testing
places they already attend. This could be a
back. If results of a point of care test are
to meaningfully influence undiagnosed
medical clinic, a pharmacy, a sexual health
positive for a virus, then further testing may
infections. Point of care testing means
clinic or a needle and syringe program.
occur to confirm the results. A person who
testing can be taken to those most at risk of
People may agree to be tested more readily
has a positive point of care test should have
infection at the best location for them.
if they do not have to attend another location at a later date to have the test, or if they can be tested in a place that is familiar to them. Testing in these settings may use technology that enables the person to receive their results shortly after they have taken their test. When taking traditional tests people might have to wait sometime to receive their results, and the period of days or weeks between the test and the results can cause prolonged distress. Point of care tests that can provide results on the same
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Health and community services have a responsibility to enhance people’s access to testing and therefore reduce the number of undiagnosed viral hepatitis infections. a clear understanding of and referral to further investigations and specialist services they will need. A person who has a negative test during a
Blood spot testing
Point of care tests that provide results on the same day that the test is taken can reduce the of distress of waiting days or weeks for results. can require different sampling techniques. A dried blood spot test is an example of a different sampling than traditional testing, and because of this, may enable people to be more readily tested. A dried blood spot test takes a sample of blood collected by pricking the skin. These samples are easier to get than blood from the veins. The blood is applied to paper rather than put into a tube. Dried blood spot tests might enable more people to be tested because it is easier to undertake and administer than
Another method making testing easier for
tests that sample blood from the vein. A
people is using tests that do not require
dried blood spot test may not provide test
blood samples from the veins. Different tests
results as quickly as rapid tests used in
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Why are hepatitis diagnosis rates so low? What can we do?
Join Hepatitis Victoria for an exciting panel discussion on accessible hepatitis testing and how we get more people tested. Designed for:
• Health workers
• Clinicians • Support workers • Needle and Syringe Programs
Friday 4 APRIL 7:30am - 9:00am VENUE: Corrs Chambers, Westgarth Lawyers,
Level 36, Bourke Place/600 Bourke St, Melbourne
TIME:
Registration at 7:30 Breakfast served at 7:45am
COST:
Members FREE! Non members $25
RSVP:
To secure your place visit:
www.trybooking.com/ELJZ or call 9380 9101
About the seminar:
Expert panel members:
• Hear the latest information on rapid testing. • Learn how and where it is used and
• Dr David Iser, Gastroenterologist and
• Take away valuable information to share
Population Health, Burnet Institute
successful case studies (PRONTO). with your organisation.
• Network over breakfast.
Hepatologist (convening event)
• Professor Margaret Hellard, Head, Centre for • Dr Fran Bramwell and Emily Carey, HealthWorks • Craig Burgess, Lead Test Facilitator, PRONTO!
Jade Ribbon hepatitis B awareness launch T
he Jade Ribbon Hepatitis B Awareness Launch was organised by the Australian Chinese Medical Association (Victoria) Inc. on Sunday 2 March 2014 from 11am – 3pm at Federation Square. It was held to raise awareness of hepatitis B for Asian Australian communities and the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer, and to encourage people from high prevalence communities to make a pledge to spread the word about getting screened for hepatitis B. The event itself was a great success in mobilising communities that are most at risk, in particular Chinese and broader Asian Australian communities, in a public manner. Culturally-specific performances were featured and drew a big crowd, including a mix of dragon/lion dancers and “Yang”-style Tai Chi performances. These were combined with educational and information sessions by medical doctors and community advocates, displays of posters made by school students, and health information on the big Federation Square screen. Present were a diverse range of health, community, and student organisations committed to spreading the word about hepatitis B. Hundreds of people joined in the event throughout the day, and many people came to the Hepatitis Victoria stall to inquire more about screening/testing, vaccination and treatment, as well as about our programs and services. They also met “Ollie” – Hepatitis Victoria’s own healthy liver.
‘‘
There is a desperate need to raise awareness about this silent hepatitis B epidemic as early detection and management saves lives. Hepatitis B has been dubbed the “silent killer” because many people acquire the virus during childbirth and have no symptoms throughout their life, until it is too late. If not picked up early enough, one in four people with hepatitis B will die. With early detection through a simple blood test and appropriate medical management, the prognosis improves dramatically, with 97 per cent survival rates. Moreover, there is a very effective vaccination available to prevent its spread.
‘‘
Accessible Testing Breakfast Seminar
This Jade Ribbon Hepatitis B Awareness launch was the first in Australia that brought people together under the “Jade Ribbon”
Thus, community awareness, prevention and early detection of hepatitis B is therefore paramount.
concept. Pale Jade was the colour featured throughout the day on ribbons, balloons and T-shirts, symbolising new growth.
Chris Leung Vice-president of the Australian Chinese Medical Association
Many of those present signed a petition pledging to spread the word about screening. The launch was an exciting way to convey the importance of getting tested and treated for hepatitis B.
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B informed
Hepatitis B in culturally and lnguistically diverse communities About hepatitis B Diseases are not all the same and this is true for hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B is actually much more infectious than hepatitis C, as it can be transmitted via infectious fluids such as sexual fluids as well as blood. Hepatitis C on the other hand is only transmissible through blood. Sharing injecting equipment poses a high risk for the transmission of both hepatitis B and C, however transmission for hepatitis B can also occur sexually (through unprotected, penetrative sex), as well as more often from mother-to-child through the birthing process. Chronic hepatitis B, compared to hepatitis C, is incurable even with treatment. Without treatment between 5-10% of adults who contract hepatitis B will become lifelong carriers and around 90-95% of children infected at birth will become chronically infected. Once cleared of hepatitis B in the acute phase, you cannot get it again, whereas you can contract hepatitis C again, indefinitely (there is no immunity to hepatitis C, including to any previously contracted genotype).
Who does hepatitis B affect? Hepatitis B disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who inject drugs, people in correctional facilities, men who have sex with men, and immigrant communities from endemic countries (as well as their descendants who may have lived in Australia for a few generations). In Victoria, hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian communities such as Chinese and Vietnamese communities, where it is estimated that about 1 in 10 Asian Australians has hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 100 of the general Australian population.
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Hepatitis B education There are a few possible reasons for this:
1
Hepatitis B has unfortunately been more present in many people of Asian descent compared to people of European descent. This is due to hepatitis B being more prevalent in Asian counties.
2
Universal vaccination/ immunisation against hepatitis B has been implemented in Australian-born children since 2000, which has dramatically reduced the amount of hepatitis B in the general Australian population when compared to Asian-born adults.
3
Hepatitis B, if it does not clear within the acute phase, will become chronic (life-long), and is incurable, thus leading to a higher likelihood of multi-generational transmission (from mother-to-child), particularly when compared to hepatitis C.
Hepatitis Victoria is exploring new ways to engage with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
1
Education on Transmission
Hepatitis B is not transmissible through sharing food and drink, or sharing utensils. It appears that some communities may not distinguish between hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and may incorrectly assume that all hepatitis can be transmitted through sharing food.
2
Education on Vaccination
We cannot safely assume, simply because universal vaccination has been around in Australia since 2000, that every adult has necessarily been vaccinated. Many newly arrived immigrant people or people born in Australia before 2000 may not have been vaccinated. Vaccination is free for people who have family members or partners with hepatitis B.
3
Stigma associated with Sexual Transmission
Given that hepatitis B is sexually transmissible, education should include
consideration of culturally appropriate ways of incorporating this information.
4
A consideration of the possibility of Race-based Stigma It is important to be sensitive to the reality of health disparities between some communities, and actively choose to address this health burden sincerely, at the same time that we do not compound any potential further stigma attributable to living with this disease with additional social, cultural or racial stigma.
NEW PROJECTS Support Groups for Vietnamese people with chronic hepatitis B in South East Melbourne (Dandenong and Springvale) Hepatitis Victoria is working in collaboration with community organisations already embedded in communities affected by hepatitis B. A first step in this new partnership approach is to provide ongoing peer-led bilingual Vietnamese-English language support groups for Vietnamese people living with chronic hepatitis B, their friends and family. The support groups are for those living in the areas of Dandenong and Springvale in South East Melbourne.
If you or anybody you know could benefit from these support groups, please email: info@hepvic.org.au or call 1800 703 003.
Looking after your liver Hepatitis Victoria has recently been awarded a grant from Hepatitis Australia to carry out a project about Hepatitis B within the Victorian Chinese Community through Ethnic Media. The project will build on the fantastic work already undertaken by the Cancer Council Victoria, including their recently completed research Perceptions of liver cancer and hepatitis B in the
Victorian Chinese Community.
targeted ways, through a range of radio and print media.
Outcomes from this research will guide the media campaign, which aims to
It is hoped that the campaign will consist
alert the community to the link between
of interviews and other segments or
hepatitis B and liver cancer, and what
articles involving Chinese background
can be done to prevent this.
doctors, community workers, researchers
Information about testing, vaccination, regular monitoring and treatment will
and people with personal experience of living with chronic hepatitis B.
be provided by Chinese community
Shinen Wong and Marg Sutherland
members in culturally appropriate and
Health Promotion Officers
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Hepatitis B and C: fast facts Approximately 448,000 people in Australia, or 2% of the population, live with chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C). This is over 17 times the number of people living with HIV/AIDS, nearly double the number of people with dementia, and more than 10 times the number of people diagnosed annually with breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In Australia, liver cancer largely caused by chronic viral hepatitis infection is the fastest increasing cause of cancer death in Australia.
What’s new in health promotion A creative partnership approach to health education: Chopped Liver and Body Armour
S
ince 2005 Hepatitis Victoria has been involved in a unique partnership that has
delivered hepatitis awareness and education to more than 24,000 at risk young people across Victoria. The partnership between the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Hepatitis Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO),
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis c
• An estimated 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with
• An estimated 170 million people worldwide are living with chronic
the hepatitis B virus and more than 350 million people worldwide
hepatitis C.
are living with chronic (life-long) hepatitis B.
B, and more than one third of them don’t know it. This is around 8
C, and around a quarter of them don’t know they have it. This is
times the number of people living with HIV in Australia.
around 9 times the number of people living with HIV in Australia.
• Approximately 56,000 Victorians are living with chronic hepatitis B. • Approximately 65,000 Victorians are living with chronic hepatitis C. • Approximately 20,000 people 60+ years of age are living with • Approximately 20,000 Aboriginal Australians are living with hepatitis C in Australia.
chronic hepatitis B.
• Between 30-40% of Victorian prisoners have chronic hepatitis C.
•
incidence of liver cancer in Australia attributable to hepatitis B will be three times that seen in 2008.
•
Untreated chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer for up to 25% of people with the virus.
• Chronic hepatitis B is the second biggest cause of cancer
worldwide (after tobacco) and has been estimated by the WHO to
indigenous perspective. Ilbijerri Theatre Company is based in Melbourne. It is the oldest Indigenous theatre company in Australia. Ilbijerri has a history of creatively delivering and giving voice to complex cultural issues from a uniquely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective. In 2005 Hepatitis Victoria
Partners in creative health education, the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Hepatitis Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). and for the reinforcement of positive health messages. Theatre provides the means to overcome cultural differences
appropriate way. With financial support
• Less than 2% of people with hepatitis C seek treatment each year. •
Around 51,500 Australians with chronic hepatitis C have moderate liver disease, and around 6500 people are living with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver transplants in Australia. • In Australia, annual deaths from hepatitis C are rising and in 2006 they surpassed deaths from HIV/AIDS.
be the 10th leading cause of death worldwide.
References: 1. Butler, Tony and Lim, David and Callander, Denton. 2011. National Prison Entrants’ Bloodborne Virus & Risk Behaviour Survey 2004, 2007, and 2010. National Drug Research Institute Report, Curtin University, Kirby Institute (University of New South Wales) and National Drug Research Institute (Curtin University). 2. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. National Hepatitis B Strategy 2010-2013. 3. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. National Hepatitis C Strategy 2010-2013. 4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. www.aihw.gov.au 5. MacLachlan, J. and Cowie, B., Hepatitis B Mapping Project: Estimates of chronic hepatitis B prevalence and cultural and linguistic diversity by Medicare Local, 2011, ASHM and Melbourne Health: Sydney & Melbourne; 2013 6. Kirby Institute. HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia: Annual Surveillance Report, Kirby Institute: Sydney; 2013. 7. Kirby Institute, National Blood-borne Virus and Sexually Transmissible Infections: Surveillance and Monitoring Report, Kirby Institute: Sydney; 2013. 8. World Hepatitis Alliance. www.worldhepatitisalliance.org
14
treatment of hepatitis C from a uniquely
and education messages in a culturally
Sub-Saharan Africa.
Without intervention, it has been estimated that by 2017 the
about viral hepatitis, communicating the
would communicate hepatitis C prevention
region, the Middle-East , the Mediterranean region and
receiving antiviral treatment.
opportunity to educate a variety of audiences
approached Ilbijerri, to develop a play that
communities in Australia, especially people from the Asia-Pacific
• Less than 3% of people in Australia with hepatitis B are currently
Department of Health, has provided the
importance of prevention, diagnoses and
• Approximately 207,000 Australians are living with chronic hepatitis • Over 230,000 Australians are estimated to have chronic hepatitis
• 3-5% of Australian prisoners have chronic hepatitis B. • Chronic hepatitis B disproportionately affects migrant and refugee
with funding provided by the Victorian
and literacy barriers through use of local
from the Department of Health, the outcome
experience and language to provoke
was Chopped Liver, a black comedy about
emotional and analytical responses in the
two Koori’s from country Victoria and the
audience. This can be viewed as a form of
way their lives are impacted by hepatitis C.
‘peer education’.
The two person play showed that hepatitis C doesn‘t have to be a negative and life damaging experience and can be effectively
and blood sharing. Body Armour, which
managed. In its four years of touring from
was specifically designed for high school
2005 to 2008, Chopped Liver showed at over
audiences, raised awareness of hepatitis
150 performances in schools, prisons and
C in a humorous and non threatening
regional centres.
way focusing on prevention rather than
In 2008 Chopped Liver was awarded an Indigenous Community Justice Award as well as the ‘Secretary’s Award’ at the 2008 Public Healthcare Awards.
treatment and diagnosis of hepatitis C. Since 2009, Body Armour has had a total of 157 performances in schools, in custodial settings and to community groups, reaching an audience estimated to be in excess of 14,200
The live performances of Chopped Liver and more recently Body Armour with its particular use of comedy have been used as an effective tool in breaking down social boundaries where certain issues and concepts are too confronting. This raised awareness of difficult and confronting issues through theatre has provided opportunities for discussion, prevention and support backed by ‘expert’ knowledge through education provided
In 2009 Ilbijerri, Hepatitis Victoria, VACCHO
people. In 2013, Body Armour was awarded
and the Victorian Department of Health
the Creative Partnerships Australia Creative
again joined forces to create Body Armour
Partnerships Arts and Health Award.
Hepatitis Victoria looks forward to
So, why use the medium of theatre to
approach to health education for many
targeting a younger demographic focusing on prevention of hepatitis C.
educate people about hepatitis C? Theatre
Body Armour follows the journey of three
has proven to be an effective and entertaining
teenagers as they as they experiment with
strategy for the dissemination of health
at-risk activities such as piercing, tattooing
information in both rural and urban settings
before and after each live performance.
continuing this unique partnership and years to come.
Garry Irving Operations and Programs Manager
15
Phillip Seymour Hoffman Reigniting the addiction debate
other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol and the benzodiazepines. Death is due to respiratory depression, from the combined effects of these substances. Read the full article at: www.theconversation.com Source: The Conversation, Shane Drake and Michael Farrell, 2014
What’s new in advocacy?
About the Hepatitis Champions Community Advocates project
H
epatitis Victoria has launched a Community Advocates project to utilise our network of supporters to help lobby for change. This is a new and innovative approach to hepatitis education and one that we anticipate will greatly improve our advocacy activities. Hepatitis Victoria’s Community Advocates use their personal experience of living with or supporting others with viral hepatitis to advocate for change, as well as increase community understanding and awareness of viral hepatitis, dispel myths and reduce stigma and discrimination.
Some of the roles the Community Advocates perform include:
• Writing to decision makers to advocate
for Hepatitis Victoria policy changes
The tragic death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman from a suspected heroin overdose has reignited the debate on drug use and addiction. Below are two articles that examine the myths and social factors behind addiction.
The persistence of these myths is intriguing because research evidence from the past 40 years has repeatedly shown all of them to be false.
Myth 1. Youthful users
Addiction: The View from Rat Park
and positions.
The author, Bruce K. Alexander, a Professor
and positions.
Emiretus at Simon Fraser University,
• Building relationships with local media
and working with them to develop
The myth that heroin is a young person’s
colleagues, exploring the role of environment
Hepatitis Victoria stories.
problem is based on the belief that people
in drug dependency among rats, now called
“mature out” of use by their late 20s. In fact,
“Rat Park”.
the average age at death from overdose is in
In the study they experimented with different
Three persistent myths about heroin use and overdose deaths An article published in The Conversation,
The myth regarding a large, hidden group
explores the common myths around heroin
of highly functional users has no evidence
use and overdose. In the article writers
at all to support it. The typical picture of an
Professor Shane Drake and Michael Farrell
active heroin user is a dependent, long-term
The study also examined historical-
correct the most common misconceptions.
unemployed person, with a long history
cultural factors that can impact on various
of treatment and relapse, and a history of
communities’ propensity to addiction.
month from a suspected heroin overdose unleashed the usual media coverage of deaths related to this drug. It is important to separate the truth from the myths about heroin use and overdose.
Myth 2. All those functional injectors
imprisonment.
Myth 3. Death from impurities The purity myth is perhaps the most persistent of all, even though the epidemiological evidence shows that
Common misconceptions include that this
variations in purity are only modestly
is a problem of young people, that there
related to the number of deaths.
are a large number of highly functioning “recreational” users of the drug, and that
Actual causes of death
overdose deaths are due to variations in
What does kill heroin users is polydrug use.
drug purity (or impurities).
More specifically, the use of heroin with
16
Hepatitis Victoria policy changes
pioneered an experiment with a team of
the late 30s.
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death earlier this
• Meeting with decision makers to discuss
• Working with Hepatitis Victoria to
identify local opportunities.
Report back from first Community Advocates Training On 11 February, Hepatitis Victoria held the introductory session on the Hepatitis Champions Community Advocates project. 16 Community Advocates participated in the session, which took place at the Hepatitis Victoria offices. It was an extremely energetic session, with a good cross section of those affected by viral hepatitis and their significant others. In the day participants were presented with an overview of the project and provided an opportunity to provide feedback and what they felt their role as an Advocate entailed.
Who are Advocates and what can they do?
•
Advocates can infuse their communication with the right mix of personal and lived experience, supported by facts.
The next phase four our Community Advocates is to undertake training in advocacy and media. Following this our advocates, armed with information and strategies, will embark on lobbying in their local areas to raise awareness and put viral hepatitis on the political agenda to initiate change. Hepatitis Victoria is excited about initiating this pioneering project and is extremely proud of their Community Advocates. Well done to our Community Advocates and I look forward to our next sessions.
Jane Little
• Advocates are a group of people who represent those who can’t speak for themselves.
Hepatitis Champions Project Officer
• Advocates raise awareness
We are always on the look out for new community advocates.
and facilitate a connection with targeted stakeholders who can initiate change.
• Advocates have specific goals they seek to achieve in their immediate community, nationally and even internationally.
You too can make a difference!
If you feel you would like to make a change and participate in our new program please contact: jane@hepvic.org.ou or call on 93859123. All our advocates received training and support.
physical and social environments and monitored the relationship these conditions had on addiction. The study concluded that the experience of isolation was an important factor in the rats exhibiting addictive behavior.
The results have been critical to understanding the ways that the addictive potential of a diverse range of drugs has historically been studied on rats in solitary confinement. It lays the groundwork for a new direction in the theory of addiction. A full copy of the results can be found at: www.globalizationofaddiction.ca/articlesspeeches/rat-park.html
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What’s new in Chronic Disease Self Management (CDSM)
A personal story
What is CDSM?
promote life-long health and sustainability for
T
both the individual and the health care sector.
and share their story of addiction.
Hepatitis Victoria’s approach to CDSM
Engulfed in a life of pain
Chronic Disease Self Management (CDSM) is a behavioural approach to health, where an individual implements changes to their existing lifestyle to manage their own chronic health condition/illness as opposed to what a clinician does. This includes making informed decisions regarding treatment options, actively monitoring and managing illness symptoms and impacts of their chronic health condition and working in partnership with health workers and supporters (Victorian Department of Health, 2010). This approach to health management requires the individual to make lifelong choices based on their desire to enhance their overall health. Successful chronic disease self management implementation will provide an individual with the capacity to make informed decisions, develop strategies to implement change, commit to time specific goals and monitor these goals throughout life.
Existing models of CDSM
Common models of CDSM have informed various health promotion programs within the state and nationally. Examples of existing chronic disease self-management models include; Stanford Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program, the ‘Flinders Model’ of chronic condition self-management, Motivational interviewing, Health coaching and Health Change Australia model. These models vary slightly in relation to delivery methods, i.e. Group of individual coaching, duration, support levels from the health provider. Acknowledging that one form or model of CDSM is not always appropriate for everyone and may not meet the needs of the individual.
There is strong evidence to suggest CDSM
When I get there
his poem was kindly submitted to
principles increase self-efficacy and wellbeing,
Hepatitis Victoria by a person who
wanted to reflect on their past drug use
Hepatitis Victoria continues to imbed best
The feelings of nothing being the same
practice approaches into existing programs,
Where has my life gone?
in particular through the Take Control and Going Viral lifestyle change programs.
Where the f*** did I go wrong?
These programs draw on an individual’s
A family that loved and cared
ability to identify particular health behaviour to improve, creating achievable goals based
Has gone because of my stupid ways
on a six-week program and monitoring and
A little boy who I adore
maintaining these changes. This group setting facilitates empowerment through peer learning
I am able to see no more
and in many instances the group reduces an
My heart breaks as the years go by
individuals sense of isolation. Moving forward in 2014, Hepatitis Victoria will
Why can’t I see him why oh why?
scope the ability to offer a telephone health
I have an addiction I have to beat
coaching service to those affected by viral hepatitis, with particular focus for this service
hopefully one day my life will be complete
to be accessible to those in regional and/or
Pain from my childhood keeps re-occurring
remote Victoria.
Wishing it would go away
Upcoming CDSM Courses:
I know it won’t cause its here to stay
GOING VIRAL - April/May/June Starting on: Tuesday 29 April, 7.30pm-8.30pm
The only way the pain subsides
This is an internet based program running
Is when I put a needle in my arm
that focuses on health education and self management around Hepatitis C. Information
It’s only then I think of nothing else
and support tailored to each person. The sessions:
But as we all know it only masks the pain
Between 1– 2 hours commitment per week for 6 weeks. 1 hour is the online chat (typed)
There has to be another way for this to end
session with the group. The other hour is to
I just hope I can find it before it’s too late
complete module activities in your own time.
My life is at a cross roads not knowing which way to turn
B IN CONTROL - April/May Starting on: Wednesday 2 April,
When I get there I can’t wait to learn
5.30pm-7.00pm A face-to-face course focusing on health
Hepatitis Victoria primarily uses a mixture of health coaching, motivational interviewing and the Health Change Australia model. These models provide the health professional and individual with the framework to develop structured goals around behaviour change, while exploring
education and self management around
the ‘stages of change’.
complete module activities in your own time.
The aches, pains and cramps as I come down Make me angry and want another round
Hepatitis B. Information and support tailored to each person.
My house is gone
The sessions: Between 1.5- 2.5 hour’s commitment per
My friends have gone
week for 6 weeks. 1.5 hours is the face-to-face
I need to find out where I belong
session with the group. The other hour is to
When I get there I hope it is what I am looking for. Illustration by Swivel Design
18
19
Liver clinics Liver clinics and liver specialists To access public hepatitis C treatment services a referral from a GP is needed. In most cases a referral is faxed to the hepatitis treatment service. The hepatitis treatment services will generally not discuss your treatment options with you until after they have received a referral from your GP. This list of hepatitis treatment services includes clinics that are known to Hepatitis Victoria. Not all possible services are listed and there may be others in your local area.
ALBURY Albury Community Health – Hepatitis Clinic Suite 3, Albury Wodonga Specialist Centre 2 Ramsey Place, West Albury. Contact: (02) 6058 1800 Fax: (02) 6058 1801
BAIRNSDALE Bairnsdale Regional Hospital Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Specialist Consulting Rooms. Princes Hwy, Bairnsdale. Contact: (03) 5150 3478 Fax: (03) 5150 3404
BALLARAT Ballarat Base Hospital Drummond Street, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5320 4211 Fax: (03) 5320 4472
BALLARAT Ballarat Community Health 210 Stuart Street, Ballarat Contact: (03) 5338 4500 or (03) 5320 7500 Fax: (03) 5338 4572
BENDIGO Bendigo Health Cnr Arnold and Lucas Streets, Bendigo Contact: (03) 5454 8422 Fax: (03) 5454 8419
BOX HILL Box Hill Hospital 16 Arnold Street, Box Hill Contact: (03) 9895 3333 (ask for OPD) Fax: (03) 9895 4852
20
Contacts Community-based hepatitis C treatment services
HCV and Opiate Replacememnt Program
Fax: (03) 9076 6578
Community based treatment clinics have
Dr Ashraf Saddik
SHEPPARTON
access treatment in their local communities.
CLAYTON
GIPPSLAND
Alfred Hospital
Southern Health Monash Medical Centre 246 Clayton Road, Clayton Contact: (03) 9594 6035 Fax: (03) 9594 6925
Central Gippsland Health Service Guthridge Parade, Sale. Contact: (03) 5143 8600 Email: enquires@cghs.com.au
Infectious Diseases Unit
CRANBOURNE
HEIDELBERG
Southern Health Monash Medical Centre Contact: (03) 9594 3177 Fax: (03) 9594 6245
Austin Hospital 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg Contact: (03) 9496 2787
EAST RINGWOOD
Fax: (03) 9496 7232
Maroondah Hospital Davey Drive, East Ringwood Contact: (03) 9095 2434 Fax: (03) 9899 9137
ELTHAM North Eltham Medical Centre Dr Tony Michaelson Weekly visiting Hepatitis C Nurse 1170 Main Rd, Eltham. Contact: (03) 9496 6846
EPPING
West Heidelberg
55 Commercial Road, Prahran Contact: (03) 9076 6081
Goulburn Valley Health 50 Graham Street, Shepparton
Barkley Street Medical Centre
Telephone: (03) 5832 3600
Dr Elizabeth Leder
SPRINGVALE
Banyule Community Health Centre
Springvale Community Health
Hepatitis C Outreach Clinic as part of
55 Buckingham Street, Springvale
Austin Health.
Contact: (03) 9594 3088
Dr Daljean Sandhu, weekly visiting
TRARALGON
Gastroenterologist and hepatitis C Nurse. 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg. Contact: (03) 9496 6846
MAROONDAH Maroondah Hospital (Eastern Health)
been developed to enable more people to
Latrobe Regional Hospital Private Consulting Suites 3 and 4 Princes Highway, Traralgon West.
Monthly visiting Gastroenterologist and hep C Nurse 60 Barkley Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9534 0531
Primary healthcare and needle syringe
Community Health Service
program for marginalised/street based
(limited hepatitis treatment services)
Hepatitis C outreach treatment clinic
injecting drug users, street sex workers and
172 Merri Street, Warrnambool
229 Thomas Street, Dandenong
people experiencing homelessness.
Contact: 1300 009 723
Contact: (03) 8792 2200
Hepatitis C information, support and
(Dr Tim Shanahan – Gastroenterologist)
Contact: (03) 9362 8100
Peninsula Liver Clinic 141 Cranbourne Road, Frankston Contact: (03) 9770 0139
GEELONG Geelong Hospital Ryrie Steet, Geelong Contact: (03) 5246 5117 Fax: (03) 5221 3429
Nordsvan Drive, Wodonga. Vic.
Living Room
Contact: (03) 9276 2223
Contact: (02) 6056 3366
Fax: (03) 9276 2194
WODONGA
MILDURA
Wodonga Regional Hospital
North Richmond Community Health
Mildara
Vermont Street. Wodonga
Dr John Furler
234 Thirteenth Street, Mildura
Contact: (02) 6051 7413
Weekly visiting Hep C Nurse
PARKVILLE
Fax: (03) 9216 8633
Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre
4 –12 Buckley Street, Footscray
FRANKSTON
Contact: 9386 2259
Greater Dandenong
Murray Valley (Private) Hospital
Contact: 0408 581 781
300 Princess Hwy, Werribee
WARRNAMBOOL
MOORABBIN
Western Hospital Eleanor Street, Footscray Contact: (03) 8345 6291
Consulting Suites
Contact: (03) 5990 6789
FITZROY
FOOTSCRAY
Werribee Mercy Hospital
Contact: (03) 5173 8111
Health Works
999 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin
Contact: (03) 9386 0900
Primary Needle Syringe Programs
WODONGA
Bayside Liver Clinic (Alfred Hospital)
2A Moore Street, Coburg
140–154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne
Fax: (03) 9871 3202
St Vincents Hospital 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Contact; (03) 9288 3771 Fax: (03) 9288 3489
Monthly visiting Hep C Nurse
as part of Southern Health Services
Hepatitis C outreach treatment clinic
Out-Patients, Ground Floor, Davey Drive, Contact: (03) 9895 3333
St. Kyrollos Family Clinic
Primary health care centres (for people who use drugs)
Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre
Northern Hospital 185 Cooper Street, Contact: (03) 8405 8000 Fax: (03) 8405 8761
Ringwood East
Contact: (03) 9871 3333
7 – 9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9945 2100
23 Lennox Street, Richmond Contact: (03) 9418 9800
Access Health
treatment 31 Grey Street, St. Kilda Contact: (03) 9536 7780 ANEX (Association for Needle Exchanges) 95 Drummond Street, Carlton Contact: (03) 9650 0699 Email: info@anex.org.au Harm Reduction Victoria (HRV) 128 Peel Street, North Melbourne Contact: (03) 9329 1500 Email: admin@hrvic.org.au
Royal Melbourne Hospital
North Yarra Community Health
Corner Royal Parade and Grattan Streets,
Dr Ohnmar John
Parkville
Weekly visiting Hep C Nurse
Contact: (03) 9342 7212
75 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Fax: (03) 9342 7277
Contact: (03) 9411 3555 or (03) 9288 2259
PRAHRAN
Nunawading Clinic
4-12 Buckley Street, Footscray
Alfred Hospital
176 Springvale Road, Nunawading
Contact: (03) 9362 8100
Gastroenterology Department
Twice per month
www.wrhc.com.au/Services_HEALTH.html
55 Commercial Road, Prahran
Dr. David Ross GP s100 prescriber for
Health Works Primary healthcare and needle syringe program Hepatitis C information, support and treatment
Contact: (03) 9076 2223 Fax: (03) 9276 2194
21
Contacts Inner Space Primary healthcare and needle
Contacts Sexual Health
Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator
Email: schs@schs.com.au
Training for Doctors, Nurses and
What is Hep Connect
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
Moe Community Health Centre
Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD)
Hep Connect provides an opportunity for people with hepatitis C to mutually discuss their experience with a trained peer volunteer over the telephone. All peer volunteers have experience of living with hepatitis C and have undertaken hepatitis C treatment or are living with cirrhosis. Hep Connect is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service and can be accessed by calling the Hepatitis Infoline
Dr Brough is offering limited specialist
1800 703 003 (free call)
580 Swanston Street, City
other health professionals
Hepatitis C information, support
Telephone: (03) 9341 6200
Telephone 9288 3586
and treatment.
Free call: 1800 032 017
Mobile 0407 865 140
Multicultural Health and
Regional services
Support Service,
These contacts are able to provide
Telephone: (03) 5521 0350
HIV, hepatitis C and sexually
information about local viral hepatitis related
Living Room
transmissible infections
services as well as active support groups.
Shepparton Community Health
Primary healthcare and needle
23 Lennox Street, Richmond.
syringe program
Telephone: (03) 9418 9929
Hepatitis C information, support
Go to: www.ceh.org.au/mhss.aspx
syringe program
4 Johnson Street, Collingwood Contact: (03) 9468 2800 www.nych.org.au/services/drug.html
and treatment services 7–9 Hosier Lane (off Flinders Lane), Melbourne Contact: (03) 9662 4488 www.youthprojects.org.au South East Alcohol and Drug Service (Forster Street) Primary healthcare and needle syringe program
Related Health Services Haemophilia Foundation Victoria, 13 Keith Street, Hampton East Telephone: (03) 9555 7595 Email: info@hfv.org.au Hepatitis Australia Web forum for professionals in the hepatitis C sector.www.hepatitisaustralia.com/
Level 2, 229 Thomas Street, Dandenong
forum/publicaccess/
Contact: (03) 9794 7895
HIV/Hepatitis/STI Education and
Turning Point
Resource Centre at the Alfred
54–62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Moubray Street, Prahran
Contact: (03) 8413 8413
Statewide resource centre on HIV/AIDS,
Email: info@turningpoint.org.au
Hepatitis and Sexually Transmissible
Web: www.turningpoint.org.au
Infections
Indigenous Health
Telephone: (03) 9076 6993
Ngwala Willumbong Co-op Limited
Web: www.alfredhealth.org.au
Multilingual Hepatitis C Resources
Ballarat Community Health Contact: Marg Stangl Telephone: (03) 5338 4500
Telephone: 1800 242 696 Portland - Glenelg Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Service Contact: Bev McIlroy
Telephone: (03) 5823 3200 Wangaratta - Ovens and King Community Health Centre Contact: Diane Hourigan
Barwon - Surf Coast Health Service
Telephone: (03) 5723 2000
Telephone: 03) 4215 7850
Warrnambool - Western Region
Barwon Health Drug and Alcohol Services Telephone: (03) 4215 8700 Bendigo Health Care Group Contact: Catina Eyres Telephone: (03) 5454 6000 Camperdown Hepatitis C Support worker Contact: Jo Sloetjes Telephone: (03) 5593 3415 Email: camperdown.resource@svdp-vic.org.au CAN (Country Awareness Network), Bendigo
Information, education, support, referrals
services from the WRAD centre on the Telephone: 1300 009 723
Hep Connect aims to:
Wimmera (East) Region
• Assist people living with
Phil Blackwood (Naturopath/Psychologist) Mobile telephone: 0403 625 526 Wodonga Community Health Contact: Jenny Horan/Anita Telephone: (02) 6022 8888
and advocacy to Victorian rural/regional
Yarra Valley Community Health Service
communities regarding HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis
Healesville
C, other Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually
Shop 2, 297 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
SUPPORT GROUP
Meets on the third Sunday of each month between 2.00 – 4.00pm The Hepatitis Support Group meets at the offices of Hepatitis Victoria, Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick. The meetings are a great place to meet other people who are also living with hepatitis. The group is friendly and welcoming and comprises people from various backgrounds who come together once a month to talk about their experiences of living with hepatitis. One aspect of the group is support while another is socialising regularly with people who are going through the same
2nd Thursday of each month.
(Birchip, Wycheproof, St Arnaud)
HEPATITISVICTORIA
sorts of challenges as you. It’s a great way to deal with those feelings of isolation and aloneness.
hepatitis C
You can call Garry on the Hepatitis Infoline
• Assist people’s decision
1800 703 003 if you want to either attend
making process around treatment
•
Enhance peoples capacity to cope with treatment
• Assist people to manage
a meeting or would like to learn more about how the support group works.
Garry Sattell Community Support Services Coordination Hepatitis Victoria
Upcoming Support Group dates in 2014 March 16
Transmitted Infections
Once per month clinic
living with cirrhosis
Telephone: (03) 5443 8355
GP referral – can be faxed to Dept of
Email: can@can.org.au
Hepatology, Eastern Health
•
Web: www.can.org.au
Telephone: 1300 130 381
VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community 30th Floor, 570 Bourke Street, City Controlled Health Organisation) Freecall: 1800 136 066
Jigsaw Youth Health Service
Yarrawonga Community Health
(Barwon Health Geelong)
Contact: Cherie McQualter Whyte
17 – 23 Sackville Street, Collingwood.
June 22
Contact: Rochelle Hamilton
Telephone: (03) 5743 8111
July 20
93 Wellington Street, St Kilda Indigenous drug and alcohol service Telephone: (03) 9510 3233 Email: reception@ngwala.org
Telephone: (03) 9411 9411 Email: wendyb@vaccho.com.au Web: www.vaccho.org.au
This website has over 400 pages of hepatitis C and HIV information in 18 languages. www.multiculturalhivhepc.net.au Health Services Commissioner
Email: hsc@health.vic.gov.au Victorian Equal Opportunity and
Telephone: 1300 094 187
Reduce isolation and increase overall hepatitis C support.
April 20 May 18
Human Rights Commission
Latrobe - Mobile Drug Safety Worker
August 17
Information on state and federal equal
Helen Warner
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
September 21
opportunity laws and programs
Mobile: 0438 128 919
186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Calrton
October 19
Telephone: (03) 9419 3000
Telephone 1300 891 848 Email: information@veohrc.vic.gov.au Web: www.humanrightscommission
Mildura - Sunraysia Community Health Contact: Anne Watts
November 16
Telephone: (03) 5022 5444
December 21
.vic.gov.au
22
23
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 professÂionals and members of the general
public. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
I would like to donate the following amount:
Please send my receipt to:
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$_____ (Your choice)
I have enclosed my cheque/money order/cash or Please debit my credit card for $______
If you do not receive your receipt promptly, then please call Lisa Nulty on 03 9380 4644, or email Lisa at: admin@hepvic.org.au.
Name
Address
Type of card: Visa/MasterCard Suburb/City Name on Card Card number:
Postcode State Send to: Hepatitis Victoria
Expiry Date
24
Suite 5, 200 Sydney Road
Brunswick, Victoria. 3056