World Hepatitis Day takes place every year on 28 July bringing the world together to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.
For Australia, this year’s theme is “Why Miss Out?”.
On Friday 27th July 2018, Inala Community House Community Engagement team helped to run the Inala World Hepatitis Day Carpark BBQ hosted by Inala Alcohol and Drug Service, along with the support of Hepatitis Queensland and Inala Indigenous Centre of Excellence.
From 11am to 1pm, the free public event welcomed everyone to visit our pop-up stall at Inala Alcohol and Drug Service (64 Wirraway Parade, Inala QLD 4077).
Our event aim was to raise community awareness and provide the latest information about hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment.
“Many people are unaware that they might have hepatitis B or C. It is incredibly important to make your doctor’s appointment, get tested and start this conversation among your family, friends and community.
Inala has a high Vietnamese population. We would like to reach out more towards our migrants who may not be aware that they are infected, and the cautionary steps they should take for their health,” said Winnie, a health representative from Hepatitis Queensland. Hepatitis Queensland will also be holding a special hepatitis information workshop in Vietnamese.
“This is the first time Inala Community House is helping to organise this meaningful World Hepatitis Day event in Inala. Inala Community House is part of the Multicultural Community Network (MCN) and is always dedicated to working with other organisations to benefit our Inala community. We are thrilled to be here today to promote health information, referral and support to our community members,” said our Community Engagement Manager Haley Kiata.
Inala Community House had also encouraged our clients to attend, including those of more vulnerable or at-risk backgrounds.
Throughout the event, all attendees were encouraged to take a quiz to test their hepatitis knowledge, followed by a detailed explanation of the answers provided by our health representatives. Upon completing the quiz, every participant stood a chance in winning an attractive ultimate health hamper pack!
50 free World Hepatitis Day health kits were also available for giveaway, which included useful health information and various toiletries.
Free flu vaccinations were also available for all children (6 months to 5 years) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (15 years and older).
Last but not least, everyone got to enjoy a free BBQ lunch, as well as fresh fruits and drinks.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding viral hepatitis, please call the helpline on 1800 437 222. For more information, please visit www.worldhepatitisday.org.au and www.worldhepatitisday.org.
To contact our Inala Community House team: 3372 1711 | info@ich.org.au | www.ich.org.au | www.Facebook.com/ICHAustralia | 38 Sittella Street, Inala QLD 4077