Viral Hepatitis remains a serious and significant public health challenge within the Australasian Justice and Correctional health sector. Individuals who are entering correctional facilities have significantly higher rates of HCV and HBV infections than the general population. It is estimated that rates of hepatitis C are at least 25 times higher within the custodial system.
Providing critical interventions to treat and reduce transmission within this extremely complex environment is especially challenging.
This year ASHM would like to take the opportunity to recognise the important contribution of our Australasian Justice and Correctional Health Workers, by nominating them for the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leaders Award VH 2022.
Please consider nominating a healthcare provider, advocate, harm reduction expert, researcher, policy maker or an outreach worker from either Australia or New Zealand for this important award.
An emerging leader in their early to mid-career who is dedicated and passionate in furthering access and equity in treating and preventing viral hepatitis within the correctional and justice health sector.
Nominations open today and close on COB 8 April 2022.
The winner will be notified by 29 April 2022.
The Prize
FREE registration and funding support for travel and accommodation to the 13th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference 29-31 May 2022.
ASHM ordinary membership for a year worth $235.
Opportunity to provide a 10-minute oral presentation at the 13th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference 2022 – demonstrating how their achievements embody the Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award.
Presentation with a framed certificate at the 13th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference 2022.
The Adjudication Panel
Professor Jason Grebely
President of INHSU (International Network on Health & Hepatitis in Substance Users)
Head of Hepatitis C & Drug Use Group – The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
Chris Wallis
Nurse Practitioner
West Moreton Hospital & Health Services – Justice Health
Kezia Blackledge
Senior Aboriginal Adolescent Sexual Health & Harm Reduction Officer
2021 Winner Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Award
NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network
Kelly Hayes
Operations Manager
The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand
Shelley Kerr
Hepatitis C Program Manager
ASHM
