The primary purpose of the Deadly Liver Mob program is to provide hepatitis C virus education and referral to blood borne virus and sexually transmissible infections screening and treatment for Aboriginal communities.
The project offers screening for bloodborne viruses — including hepatitis C, HIV and hepatitis B virus — and sexually transmissible infections, as well as providing vaccinations for hepatitis B.
The program uses a population-level approach that makes use of family and peer networks to:
Raise awareness about hepatitis C transmission risk factors and available treatment
Increase access to testing and treatment
Provide a point of entry to other health services
Deadly Liver Mob is a peer-driven intervention that asks Aboriginal community members to attend an educational session with an Aboriginal health worker and then pass on their learning to family and friends.
Each contact with the health service entitles clients of the program to a payment in the form of a voucher for use at local supermarkets. These contacts with the health service include:
Education
Recruitment of others
Attendance for screening
Returning for results
Treatment and vaccination (if required)
Given that the aim of the program is centered on hepatitis C, engaging those living with and those most at risk of infection is a primary goal. However, providing information about hepatitis C, facilitating conversations at the community level and providing a point of entry to other health care are key secondary aims. Further, the opportunity for blood borne virus and sexual health screening and treatment is relevant to many in the community.
