Help4HepBC is a free and confidential helpline for anyone affected by hepatitis C—whether you have hepatitis C, have been cured, or are a family member or friend looking for general information. We can answer questions about hepatitis C and its treatment, help you locate resources or treatment providers within British Columbia, and simply just listen about what’s going on in your life. We are also happy to provide support for those living with hepatitis B, and help connect you to the information and resources you need.
We provide support by phone (toll-free) at 1-888-411-7578, and by email to helpline@bchep.org*.
Learning you have hepatitis C (hep C) can be scary and confusing. Help4Hep BC can provide the information you need to make the right decisions for you.
*The email “from” name will show as H-4-H Helpline, but without the dashes (used here to prevent search-engine tracing of our display name), protecting confidentiality where needed. Be aware if the address is clicked on, it will show as from helpline @ bchep.org.
Help4Hep BC is staffed by people experienced in working with individuals affected by viral hepatitis (hepatitis C and hepatitis B). They have experience helping with finding treatment, services, and providing support to people through challenging times.
While no longer a peer support line, Help4Hep BC staff are committed to providing a judgement-free environment that supports you and helps you find the support, care and services you need.
Staff will keep your information confidential, unless they believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
Peer Navigators staff our helpline and are people who have lived experience of viral hepatitis, and they have gone through similar experiences to those you may be having. Peer Navigators are selected for their willingness to listen, be judgement-free, and their ability to help people work through difficult situations—they also love celebrating successes with you!
Peer Navigators will keep your information confidential, unless they believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
Help4Hep BC can help connect you with a local hep C treatment provider (within British Columbia), help you figure out how to get tested, find harm reduction supplies, locate services near you, and share about how to prevent hep C. If you’ve chosen to treat your hep C, we can help you find information about PharmaCare and patient support programs.
We can provide more limited support for people with hepatitis B, but will work to link you to the support and services you need.
One of the most important roles we have is to listen, answer your questions, and help you work through challenges.
Help4Hep BC can’t provide you medical advice, but we can help you get on the right path to getting the care you need.
We can give information about hepatitis, testing, prevention, treatment, BC Pharma Care, refer you to services nearby, and more.
No matter what's going on in your life, we're here to give support and listen—judgement free.
We can connect you with hepatitis treatment and testing in your area, stick with you throughout the process, and help you with any challenges along the way.
In short: anyone! If you want to know more about hepatitis, we can help you!
Whether you are waiting for hepatitis test results, have just been told you have viral hepatitis, or are a person with a friend or family member living with viral hepatitis, we’d love to hear from you!
We’ve also spoken with doctors, nurses, community support and peer workers, and pharmacists about how we can support the work you are doing with people living with viral hepatitis in your communities.
Here’s what peers have said about calling Help4Hep BC and speaking with us.
Visit the BC Hepatitis Network to learn more about viral hepatitis.
Here are some good places to start:
Or, just pick up your phone. We’re happy to help, listen, and answer your questions!
Hep C 101 is our video and podcast series about the basics of hepatitis C.
Find it at HepC101.ca
Help4Hep BC is a program of the
BC Hepatitis Network.
For management inquires, email
Deb Schmitz at deb [at] bchep.org.