Current DASSA clients are eligible to do hepatitis C treatment at Eastern DASSA (Warinilla), which runs hepatitis C treatment and pre-treatment clinics.

A lot has changed in the way hepatitis C treatment is being offered.

HSA peer educators attend the Warinilla Outpatients to help clients there understand their treatment choices.

Experience has shown that that although treatment for hepatitis C is by no means a walk in the park, side effects can be managed and many people are able to complete the treatment.

Fred says: "Give me a call!"

Our Peer Educator, Fred, has been through the treatment twice. The first time with monotherapy (interferon only) did not work. Fred managed to clear the virus the second time round with combination therapy (Interferon and Ribavirin).

Currently there is an overall success rate of 65% with combination therapy.

Fred has been a Peer Educator with HSA for over 5 yrs and has a good understanding of the issues people face on treatment.

He is available at Warinilla during hepatitis C treatment clinic times on Tuesdays to provide up to date hepatitis C peer education and referrals to free services for people with hepatitis C, including dental care.

Call Eastern DASSA Outpatients on 8130 7531 to make a time to talk with Fred or simply drop in for a chat with him at Outpatients.

For more information, call the Hepatitis SA Helpline on 1300 437 222 or 8362 8443.