Youth Education

On 11 March, Hepatitis

SA spent the day at the Southern Region Nunga Tag Carnival at the South Adelaide Football Club (Panthers) in Noarlunga Downs. This community event celebrates cultural unity and provides positive experiences for young people. The day commenced with the community volunteers setting up their stalls and giving an introduction to the school kids about the day. When the tag games commenced the children who weren’t playing at that time were able to walk through the stalls, talk to people, pick up goodies and do some activities. There were many stalls from different organisations, including education, health, awareness and more. A number of the stalls had different activities for the children to engage in from art and crafts to games to quizzes. The Hepatitis SA stall had a short quiz about hepatitis C for the children to complete, going into a

draw to win a gift card. There was also a henna tattoo artist who attracted a lot of attention from the children. This created a great opportunity to talk to and educate the children on hepatitis C while they waited in line to get their tattoos. We knew the day was successful when we had children who came back to receive another tattoo who were able to remember the information that they had learnt from us earlier in the day. We want to thank Southern Region Nunga Tag for such a positive experience, and for having us be involved in the day, and we hope to be able to attend any future events. v

Hepatitis SA Free education sessions, printed information, telephone information and support, referrals, clean needle program and library. (08) 8362 8443 admin@hepatitissa.asn.au www.hepsa.asn.au Hepatitis SA Helpline 1800 437 222 (cost of a local call)

Adelaide Dental Hospital A specially funded clinic provides priority dental care for people with hepatitis C with a Health Care Card. Call Hepatitis SA on 1800 437 222 for a referral.

beyondblue Mental health information line 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au

Clean Needle Programs in SA For locations visit the Hepatitis SA Hackney office or call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service. 1300 131 340

Community Access & Services SA Alcohol and drug education; clean needle program for the Vietnamese and other communities. (08) 8447 8821

headspace Mental health issues are common. Find information, support and help at your local headspace centre 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au

Hutt St Centre Showers, laundry facilities, visiting health professionals, recreation activities, education and training, legal aid and assistance services provided to the homeless. 258 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000 (08) 8418 2500

Lifeline National, 24-hour telephone counselling service. 13 11 14 (cost of a local call) www.lifeline.org.au

Mental Health Crisis Service 24 hour information and crisis line available to all rural, remote and metropolitan callers. 13 14 65

MOSAIC Counselling Service For anyone whose life is affected by hepatitis and/or HIV. (08) 8223 4566

Nunkuwarrin Yunti An Aboriginal-controlled, citybased health service, which also runs a clean needle program. (08) 8406 1600

PEACE Multicultural Services HIV and hepatitis education and support for people from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds. (08) 8245 8100

Sex Industry Network Promotes the health, rights and wellbeing of sex workers. (08) 8351 7626

SAMESH South Australia Mobilisation + Empowerment for Sexual Health www.samesh.org.au

Youth Health Service Free, confidential health service for youth aged 12 to 25. Youth Helpline: 1300 13 17 19 Parent Helpline: 1300 364 100

Viral Hepatitis Community Nurses Care and assistance, education, streamlined referrals, patient support, work-up for HCV treatment, monitoring and follow-ups. Clients can self-refer. Contact nurses directly for an appointment.

Central: Margery - 0423 782 415 margery.milner@sa.gov.au Debbie/Rose - 0401 717 953 North: Lucy - 0401 717 971 Michelle - 0413 285 476 South: Rosalie - 0466 777 876 rosalie.altus@sa.gov.au Jeff - 0466 777 873

Specialist Treatment Clinics Subsidised treatment for hepatitis B and C are provided by specialists at the major hospitals. You will need a referral from your GP. However, you can call the hospitals and speak to the nurses to get information about treatment and what you need for your referral. • Flinders Medical Centre Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit: call 8204 6324 • Queen Elizabeth Hospital: call 8222 6000 and ask to speak a viral hepatitis nurse • Royal Adelaide Hospital Viral Hepatitis Unit: call Anton on 0401 125 361 or 8222 2081 • Lyell McEwin Hospital: call Michelle on 0413 285 476 or Lucy on 0401 717 971

Book your online education session. All you need is internet access. Sessions cover: ¤ Blood and bodily fluid safety ¤ An overview of hepatitis A, B and C ¤ Transmission risks/myths (including issues like needle-stick injury) ¤ Testing and treatments ¤ Best practice after blood exposure ¤ Standard precautions ¤ Stigma and discrimination ¤ Disclosure ¤ Available Services