Hepatitis C is currently causing great concern in prisons nationally and internationally, given the high number of offenders who have engaged in injecting drug use.
Key initiatives in controlling the spread of blood borne viruses in prisons include:
- educational program for offenders, 'Keeping Safe'. Covers all issues associated with blood borne viruses and high-risk behaviours particularly associated with prison life. WA AIDS Council, Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service and Hepatitis C Council of WA present the program to offenders;
- conducting the 'Keeping Safe' program for offenders who do not speak English;
- the 'Keeping Safe' program is compulsory upon arrival to prison as part of the orientation program;
- all offenders are encouraged to be tested for blood borne viruses, particularly Hepatitis B and C. Blood testing is not compulsory in
- all offenders and staff are encouraged to have Hepatitis B vaccinations;
- Prison Health staff and prison officers are trained in blood-borne virus management;
- condoms and dental dams are available to prisoners, free of charge via vending machines, at every adult facility in
- 'exit kits', containing a condom/lube and public health information, are issued to prisoners upon release; and
- Naltrexone exit program (available at four facilities). Expansion of this program is expected in the future.
Program development and proposed research initiatives include:
- updating the 'Keeping Safe' program in collaboration with the Health Department of WA. This work will also include recommendations regarding tattooing/body-piercing practices in prisons and creating of health promotion material more suited to the prison setting;
- hepatitis C screening in prisons - the outcome of this research will support decisions on treatment availability for offenders whilst incarcerated;
- bleach - currently under discussion as a health initiative to reduce blood borne viruses transmission in the prison setting;
- the Blood Borne Communicable Diseases Steering Committee - representatives from a number of community agencies and health organisations meet regularly to advise the Department of Corrective Services.
