Conversations with BC Hepatitis Network

In our Season 1 finale of Conversations with BC Hepatitis Network, we talk to Cheryl Reitz and Joan King of HepCBC, a nonprofit that operated from 1996 to 2020. HepCBC was started and run by a group of dedicated volunteers with lived experience of hepatitis C.

HepCBC was a grassroots charitable organization educating and informing about hepatitis C--and later hepatitis B--while providing peer support to those living with viral hepatitis. Over 2.5 decades, HepCBC published hundreds of newsletters, translated materials into more than two dozen languages, started a hepatitis C helpline which was also accessible to people who are incarcerated in BC, traveled the province to meet others and share about hepatitis C testing and treatment... and so much more.
We are thankful for all the work done by HepCBC, and excited to share just some of what they accomplished over the years.

In 2020, HepCBC and Pacific Hepatitis C Network merged, becoming BC Hepatitis Network. We are proud to continue building on the tireless work of all those who were involved in HepCBC.

Shelley has lived experience of cirrhosis and received a liver transplant in 2021. Cirrhosis has many causes, including liver scarring (fibrosis) caused by viral hepatitis, genetics, immune system issues, or fatty liver disease. Shelley did not have viral hepatitis, however, she developed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and eventually cirrhosis, requiring a transplant.

Shelley tells us about her experience living with cirrhosis, what adjustments she had to make, how things have changed since her transplant, and how to support someone living with cirrhosis. She also shares about getting support and making connections through Help4Hep BC--while our focus is viral hepatitis, we can often provide referrals and information to folks affected by other liver issues, too--if you need support, reach out:
1-888-411-7578.

This interview was recorded on June 14, 2022. 

Our theme music is Piano Rock Instrumental by David Hyde.

Dr. Naveed Janjua is an epidemiologist and senior scientist at the BC Centre for Disease Control and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. Naveed shares how he began working in infectious diseases, including hepatitis, about his current work, how emerging public health approaches and telemedicine are changing the response to viral hepatitis… and how those things combine to help us reach the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis.

This interview was recorded on April 26, 2022.

Nance Cunningham is a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia in the Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine program.

In this part 2 of Nance's interview, we learn more about Nance's research and academic work, and how she is applying what she has learned here in BC.

This interview was recorded in Spring 2020.

Nance Cunningham is a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia in the Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine program.

In part 1 of our conversation with Nance, we learn about Nance, her hepatitis C focused work with Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as MSF or Doctors Without Borders) in Pakistan, and about the micro-elimination approach to hepatitis C elimination.  

This interview was recorded in Spring 2020.

Wendy is a person with lived experience of the hepatitis B virus, also known as HBV. In this interview, she shares with us about learning she had HBV, how HBV can be passed (learn more here), her mom’s HBV experience, getting tested, starting treatment, and what she’s learned so far.

Wendy also shares how she’s gotten involved with advocating for people affected by hepatitis B, and how others can get involved or find resources.

Dr. Sofia Bartlett works with the BC Centre for Disease Control. At the time of this interview, she was a postdoctoral researcher, though as of 2022 she is the Senior Scientist for STBBIs. Dr. Bartlett brings a unique combination of skills to her role, combining her background in sciences and research with her own family's experience when her dad learned he had hepatitis C. In this conversation, Sofia shares about her work, the catharsis of talking with people who have also had a family member affected by hepatitis, and her thoughts on elimination by 2030.

This interview was recorded on

Lesley Gallagher is a hepatitis C nurse working in Vancouver, BC and Saskatoon, SK. Lesley shares how she began working with people who have hepatitis C, about the role of support groups, and about the work she does in BC and Saskatchewan. This interview was recorded on July 24, 2020.

Deb Schmitz is the Executive Director of the BC Hepatitis Network (known at the time of this recording as the Pacific Hepatitis C Network). Deb shares about her start in community-based HIV/AIDS work, her shift to working in hep C, and more about BCHN.

This interview was recorded on August 4, 2020.

Conversations with BC Hepatitis Network will be a place where we talk viral hepatitis and learn about the work and experiences of people in our community: people with lived experience, scientists and researchers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more.

Meet a few of our upcoming guests, and be sure to subscribe!