North Bay is marking World Hepatitis Day in front of City Hall this Thursday.
Part of the event includes the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area unveiling its new outreach van.
The van will be used throughout the group’s catchment area helps committee members get to clients who may have trouble accessing the downtown office.
Outreach workers, nurses and harm reduction volunteers will staff the van on a rotating basis.
The vehicle is equipped with equipment to provide medical care for wounds, some food as well as liquids, sleeping bags and clothing as well as point-of-care testing for Hepatitis C and HIV.
Worldwide one in three people have been infected with Hepatitis C or B at some point in their lives.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection and each year 1.4 million people die from the illness.
Nearly half, 44 percent, of people infected, don’t know they have hepatitis and it can take decades for symptoms to appear.
A vaccine is available for people with Hepatitis A or B, but not for Hepatitis C.
Liver experts recommend that people born between 1945 and 1975 should be tested for Hepatitis C as well as anyone who may be at risk.
There is a cure for Hepatitis C and the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area can provide treatment for infected people.
The provincial government covers the cost of treatment.
The North Bay event will offer free, rapid Hepatitis C and HIV testing.
Mayor Al McDonald will read a city council proclamation marking World Hepatitis Day and there’s a free barbeque as well as games, prizes and events.
Special guests will also be on hand.
The event begins at 11:00am.