(HORIZON) July 15, 2019 - Horizon's Public Health teams will join organizations across Canada in the global effort to raise awareness about viral hepatitis on annual World Hepatitis Day, July 28. To mark the occasion, free community barbecues will take place in Saint John on Thursday, July 18 and in Fredericton and Miramichi on Monday, July 29.

Viral hepatitis affects more than half a million Canadians and in New Brunswick it is the most common reportable blood-borne infection. The virus is commonly spread through exposure to contaminated blood or bodily fluids and can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. The 2019 World Hepatitis campaign "Find the Missing Millions" focuses on the crucial need to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, increase testing, diagnosis and treatment. Globally 325 million people are living with viral hepatitis; however, 300 million of these individuals are still unaware. With the availability of an effective vaccine and treatment for Hepatitis B and a cure for Hepatitis C, the elimination of viral hepatitis is achievable.

Horizon's Public Health and its community partners are dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis and informing the public of the options available for prevention, testing and treatment.

The barbecues are open to the public in the following locations:

Saint John - July 18 (rain date July 19), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Corner of Waterloo and Cliff Street

Fredericton - July 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 65 Brunswick Street outside of the Victoria Health Centre

Miramichi - July 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Park, Downtown Miramichi (Newcastle)

Everyone is welcome to attend.

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For more information contact:

Emely Poitras
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
media@HorizonNB.ca
news.horizonnb.ca