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Emily Lenton
Young Person's Program
emilyl@hepcvic.org.au
03 9385 9105

When did you join Hepatitis C Victoria?

October 2007

What do you personally get out of working with the hepatitis community?

My favourite aspect of the training is

identifying ways that workers can discuss hepatitis C outside of the usual conversations about transmission. If I can inspire discussions that explore the dynamics of relationships or look at the social and political factors that shape the decisions we make, then I know I've helped in some way.

Why do you think hepatitis C is something that people out there need to be aware of?

Hepatitis C is an epidemic and the sheer number of people with hepatitis C alone means that policy makers need to act.

One of the key things we need to achieve at the moment is an open and mature discussion about drug use in our society. Too often we pretend that drug use doesn't happen and because of that we can't have the conversations we need to talk about how to minimise the harm that comes with it.

Part of that is that we need to stop categorising people with hepatitis C and putting them into parochial boxes.This only affirms the negative stereotypes that comes with hepatitis C and reduces access to healthcare and support.

If you could say just one thing to someone with hepatitis C, what would it be?

Your experiences are real even if a doctor cannot find a clinical marker.

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Can cook, but will travel... most likely to a local for something cheap and cheerful