News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 18, 2004

Public Health Unit and Hepatitis C Clinic Team Up for Information Series

“I just found out that I have hepatitis C! What does this mean for me? How long have I had it? Can I give it to my family?”

To help answer questions like these, the Public Health Unit and the Hepatitis C Clinic have teamed up to offer information sessions for people who have hepatitis C and for their families.  Information sessions are open to the public and are free.  They are held on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Owen Sound library boardroom.

The following four sessions are coming up:

1.      Tuesday, March 22 – Lynda Bumstead, a registered dietitian at the Public Health Unit, will present ‘Healthy Eating and Your Liver.’ This will be an interactive session. Snacks will be available.

2.      Tuesday, April 26 – Chris Landry, a local man living with hepatitis C, will enthusiastically share his positive attitude and coping skills with others.

3.      Tuesday, May 24 – Public Health Nurse Debby Minielly will give an overview of the disease process.

4.      Tuesday, June 28 – Trudy Willis, a registered nurse and the hepatitis C nurse educator at the Hepatitis C Clinic, will focus on treatment.

Public Health Nurse Debby Minielly notes that the sessions are informal and invites the participation of those who attend. “People have a lot to offer each other when it comes to dealing with a chronic illness. The support of others has been proven to be very important,” she states.

Every year about 60-70 people in Grey-Bruce find out they have tested positive for hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus that can, over time, attack the liver and affect the quality of life for the person living with the disease. Family members can also be affected in a variety of ways, which can cause stress and concern. Having accurate and understandable information is reassuring and promotes healthy living for those with hepatitis C.

In 2003, the Hepatitis C Clinic was initiated in Owen Sound to meet the demand for treatment and support of hepatitis C patients and their families. The physician in charge of this program is Dr.Nuri Kaal, a gastroenterologist at Grey Bruce Health Services. Patients are referred from all over Grey and Bruce Counties to Dr. Kaal for assessment and possible treatment of hepatitis C. The clinic provides education on all aspects of hepatitis C including treatment with Pegetron, a medication that involves weekly injections and daily tablets.

The clinic also helps patients access resources for finances, nutrition and emotional well-being. “People need a lot of support when they embark on treatment. Our patients know that they can call the clinic when they need assistance.  They know we are there for them,” states Willis. “Regular blood work and health monitoring, and lots of support are essential while on treatment and that is why a clinic like this is so important.”

For more information call the Public Health Unit at 376-9420, ext 257.

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For more information:

Debby Minielly

Public Health Nurse, Communicable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 257