It’s time for action.
That’s the theme of World Hepatitis Day this year.
A BBQ and testing drive event are being held locally.
The AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area is inviting the community to the waterfront on Wednesday.
“Hepatitis is a taboo subject a lot of people still don’t want to talk about,” says Meagan Deutekom, Hep C community coordinator. “We’re trying to encourage people to have those conversations and come down to the Kiwanis Bandshell on July 24.”
The event runs from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
“We’re going to have a free BBQ and snow cones. Point-of-care testing for HIV and Hep C,” she says. “We have community partners coming out to set up information booths.”
There’s also live entertainment this year.
World Hepatitis Day is Sunday, July 28.
“Even if someone isn’t at risk, they could have a family member or a friend that is at risk,” says Deutekom. “Just having that education, having that knowledge is power and could be the difference in whether or not you’re able to support someone or yourself.”
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer.
The World Health Organization says with a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness, action must be accelerated on better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes.
