End Hepatitis Now Update July 2020
Eight presentations were given to Rotary Clubs between January and March, with feedback being positive and adjustments constantly being made. The lockdown meant that future bookings and participation in the District Conference showcase unfortunately didn’t happen. Luckily, Hepatitis Victoria was able to quickly tweak the presentation to be suitable for virtual meetings and two rounds of invitations to participate have been sent out to every club in Victoria. Nine Zoom sessions have taken place so far, with 11 still to come.
We have been able to reach rural areas such as Hamilton North, Horsham and Yea, which would have been more challenging if the speakers had to travel – so there has been at least one positive from COVID-19.
Every virtual presentation is introduced by a RCM member, who briefly outlines the club’s involvement in the initiative. Then an educator from HepVic and a person with lived experience of hepatitis deliver the presentation and answer questions.
If any RCM member has contacts at another club who could be approached about hosting a presentation, please let me know at endhepatitisnow@rotarymelbourne.org.au.
Penny Trumble
Their lived-experience speakers and educators will deliver presentations to Victorian Clubs in order to raise awareness of the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Victoria as well as the new treatment options available.
All clubs in D9800 have been contacted via email and offered a presentation during one of their meetings.
This month some Clubs outside District 9800 with whom members have links have also been approached to host a presentation.
A presentation stand has been booked at the Showcase to be held alongside the D9800 Conference in Bendigo in late March. We hope this will help inform and encourage Clubs to request a presentation.
The Rotary Club of Camberwell hosted the first presentation on Wednesday 22 January. Peter Clark attended and reported that approximately 35 members and guests were present. They asked a variety of questions and were impressed by the professionalism of the presentation and the resources available.
Below is a list of upcoming bookings and the RCM members who are planning to makeup at each meeting and assess the presentation. An evaluation format is being developed to allow us to assess the efficacy of the presentation strategy.
We would welcome other volunteers to attend the meetings at Strathdale on 18 February and Caulfield on 12 March as well as other meetings as they are booked during the year. Please advise Penny via the End Hepatitis Now mailbox address below if you can help.
Club Day Date Time Attending
Brighton Thursday 30 January 6 for 6.30pm - Kevin Sheehan, Alan Trumble
Strathdale Tuesday 18 February 6 for 6.30pm
Hawthorn Tuesday 25 February 12.30 for 1pm Robert Fisher
Albert Park Wednesday 26 February 6 for 6.30pm Robert Fisher
Caulfield Thursday 12 March 12.45pm
Glen Eira Tuesday 17 March 6.15 for 6.30pm Kevin Sheehan, Robert Fisher
We plan to bring you photos and reports from the meetings as the year progresses.
Penny Trumble
endhepatitisnow@rotarymelbourne.org.au
