The Yorkton Film Festival is proud to announce their partnership with the Sunrise Health Region for a screening and discussion on Hepatitis C in Canada. On Tuesday, July 28th the film Deal with it: Untold Stories of Hepatitis C in Canada, will be screened at the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre .
The film exposes the state of Canada’s Hepatitis C epidemic, one of the most pressing but least discussed health concerns facing the country today. Currently, 300 – 500 thousand Canadians are estimated to have Hepatitis C, and a majority of those infected remain undiagnosed.
In 2010 the World Health Organization made World Hepatitis Day one of only 4 disease-specific world health days to be recognized each year on July 28th. Hepatitis C virus is the most common chronic blood-borne virus in North America, almost five times more prevalent than HIV.
Despite the declining trend of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C rates nationally, in Saskatchewan Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C rates remain elevated at 1.5 times higher than the national rate over the past 10 years. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, but there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C. The earlier Hepatitis C is diagnosed the sooner it can be treated and the greater the likelihood of recovery.
Hepatitis A virus is spread through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus is spread through blood-to-blood transmission and unprotected sex. “Something as simple as sharing personal hygiene items, such as razors or toothbrushes, with someone who is infected with Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus can spread the virus” says Deanna Bartok, HIV Strategy Coordinator with Sunrise Health Region. “Sharing non-sterile injection drug use, tattoo, piercing and spa equipment can also spread Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus.”
“We urge everyone to learn about the risk factors involved in the spread of hepatitis, learn how to prevent hepatitis, and discuss testing with your Physician or Nurse Practitioner” adds Bartok.
You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of film and discussion on Tuesday, July 28th at the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre at 1:30 pm. A discussion on the topics presented in the film will take place after the screening.
