Testing events for Hepatitis C are taking place across Telford and Wrekin
A series of all-day testing events for Hepatitis C will be taking place across Telford and Wrekin in the run-up to World Hepatitis Day on the 28th July.
Telford Stars, a service commissioned by Telford & Wrekin Council to support those affected by drugs and alcohol in the borough, will run the testing events.
They will be travelling the borough with a Cepheid machine, which can provide a Hepatitis C test results within an hour, on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Testing events are taking place:
• Monday 25th July: Park Lane Centre, Woodside
• Tuesday 26th July: Brookside Community Centre
• Wednesday 27th July: Whitechapel House
• Thursday 28th July: Whitechapel House
• Friday 29th July: Wellington Market Square
The events on Wednesday and Thursday will carry out dry blood spot testing.
A £5 “Love2shop” voucher will be given to those who get tested and meet certain criteria.
Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Wellbeing, Equalities and Partnerships (Labour), said:
"People infected with hepatitis C often experience few or no symptoms and can live with the virus for many years without being diagnosed, increasing the risk of severe liver damage.
"However, treating Hepatitis C has never been easier and can be cured with a short course of medication.
"So, we want to get the message out that anyone who has ever been at risk to go out and take a quick and simple test."
To find out more about testing and treatment, call Telford Stars 0300 456 4291 or visit www.hepculater.com.
