There is a global, urgent need for testing and treatment to eliminate viral hepatitis and CUPS is stepping forward with community partners to provide more education and awareness in Calgary. 

Every year a million lives are lost to hepatitis-related illnesses and the more people can learn about treatment options, the faster we can work towards eliminating viral hepatitis altogether. 

Not sure what we’re talking about? Here are some of the basic things to know:

• Viral hepatitis is a liver infection that can be caused through contact with infected blood, body fluids or fecal matter of infected individuals.

• There are six types of hepatitis virus strains, but there are three that cause about 90 per cent of acute infections in Canada: Hepatitis A, B and C.

• Many people can unknowingly be infected with hepatitis, which is a risk for increased spread of infection and delay in proper screening, assessment and treatment. 

CUPS Liver Clinic

The Liver Clinic has been a staple of the health services at CUPS for decades and focuses their support on prevention and treatment to stop the spread of hepatitis and other sexually-transmitted blood-borne infections. One of the key ways they do that is through outreach and working with other community partners to give them training and support for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing and treatment. The more people with the tools and expertise to stop the spread of hepatitis C, the more effective the global campaign will be.

For CUPS clients who have hepatitis C, cirrhosis or liver disease or think they’ve been exposed to hepatitis or other blood borne pathogens, the CUPS Liver Clinic will screen, test and treat. The clinic also provides consultation and disease monitoring and treatment. Clients have support from a well-rounded team that includes a registered nurse, clinical pharmacist, peer support worker and infectious disease specialist.

Free educational event: July 27

CUPS is joining SafeLink Alberta for a community education event on hepatitis on July 27, 2023 from 10 am to 3 pm at Olympic Plaza. There will be free Hepatitis C point-of-care testing, harm reduction supplies, snacks and gift cards.

The event is designed to be at a central location, easily accessible by the train to connect with as many people as possible. 

World Hepatitis Day is July 28.