New hepatitis C toolkit empowers pharmacies to connect consumers to the right support
Hepatitis Queensland estimates that approximately 22,000 people are living with Hepatitis C in Queensland, yet many remain undiagnosed or disconnected from care. Hepatitis C can be cured with Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) taken over a course of 8, 12 or 24 weeks.
Pharmacists and pharmacy teams play an important role in expanding access to healthcare for their communities. They are well placed to facilitate screening and referral to care for treatable conditions such as hepatitis C.
To help achieve the World Health Organisations goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, Hepatitis Queensland and Heplink Australia have developed a hepatitis C pharmacy support toolkit.
The toolkit empowers pharmacists to connect people to stigma free support when they need it
The toolkit will help pharmacists and pharmacy teams to raise awareness of hepatitis C, reduce stigma and encourage testing and treatment. This will empower pharmacists and pharmacy teams to connect people with appropriate support services.
The toolkit includes:
Hepatitis C fact sheets
Posters and promotional materials
Counter cards and wallet cards
Information connecting people to free and confidential support and referral services.
Hepatitis Queensland and Heplink are here to help
Hepatitis Queensland offers free education sessions for health care providers, pharmacy teams and community based organisations for viral hepatitis. The sessions aim to improve awareness, prevention, testing, treatment and support for people affected by hepatitis.
Heplink provide a confidential and free pathway to essential information and services, ensuring that everyone in Australia, whether you're living with viral hepatitis, newly diagnosed, a healthcare professional, or a community worker, can access the guidance, support, and care needed. HepLink is here to connect people
with trusted services, support informed decisions, and guide individuals and professionals alike through every step of the viral hepatitis journey.
Call to action / conclusion
To request a toolkit, arrange a session or learn more about available CPD opportunities, contact Hepatitis Queensland at [email protected], call the Information and Support Line on 1800 437 753, or visit www.hepqld.asn.au.
Helpful links
Further information and resources for healthcare professionals: