Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: July 28, 2025
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC's) Commissioner.
World Hepatitis Day is July 28. This day raises awareness about the importance of preventing, testing for, and treating viral hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. If not treated, it can lead to long-term damage to the liver including a higher risk of liver cancer. The most common types of viral hepatitis in CSC are hepatitis B and C. These infections are transmitted through blood, for example through injection drug use or tattooing.
CSC can help you reduce your risk of viral hepatitis with:
- Prevention: Vaccines are available for hepatitis B. CSC’s Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) and the Overdose Prevention Service (OPS) can also help to lower the risk of transmitting or contracting hepatitis B and C.
- Testing: Blood tests are available for hepatitis B and C.
- Treatment: Depending on the type of hepatitis, specific treatment can be highly effective, and most patients can expect a full recovery with no lasting or long-term liver damage.
If you would like to learn more about symptoms, testing, vaccines, PNEP or OPS, speak with a member of the Health Services staff.
Health is a relationship between you and your body.