Matthew Butler
ReNew
71 | Elly Mortimer: Three Decades in Harm Reduction – Hep C, Learning, Listening & Leading
71 | Elly Mortimer: Three Decades in Harm Reduction – Hep C, Learning, Listening & Leading
71 | Elly Mortimer: Three Decades in Harm Reduction – Hep C, Learning, Listening & Leading
Sunday 27th July 2025
Join Elly Mortimer as she shares 30 years of insights in harm reduction and Hepatitis C treatment advancements on Believe in People podcast.
Explicit
51 minutes
informative
hopeful
challenging
passionate
About this podcast
Author:
Matthew Butler
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Creative Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
72 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Elly Mortimer: Leading Hep C Harm Reduction
Episode Overview
- Hepatitis C treatment evolved from lengthy courses to effective short tablets.
- Hepatitis C affects a broader population than commonly assumed.
- Compassion fatigue is a significant challenge in public health work.
- Local drug services play critical roles in harm reduction.
- Advocacy for testing and eliminating Hepatitis C is crucial.
Hepatitis C is the biggest killer in drug and alcohol services when it's untreated.
In this insightful episode of Believe in People, host Matthew Butler welcomes back Elly Mortimer, a seasoned professional in the field of harm reduction and Hepatitis C awareness. Over the past three decades, Elly has been at the forefront of harm reduction efforts, tirelessly advocating for better treatment options and awareness around Hepatitis C. Her passion for her work is palpable, making her a local legend in the sector.
During the discussion, Elly highlights the significant advancements in Hepatitis C treatment, which have evolved from grueling, year-long courses with severe side effects to today's short-course tablets that boast a 96 percent effectiveness rate. These advancements have revolutionized the way public health services approach Hepatitis C, offering hope for its elimination. Elly also sheds light on the widespread impact of Hepatitis C, which is often associated with injecting drug use but affects a broader population than commonly assumed.
This underscores the importance of widespread testing and awareness, which Elly passionately advocates for. The episode touches on the emotional challenges faced by professionals in the sector, such as compassion fatigue. Despite these challenges, Elly's unwavering commitment to her work and her sense of humor and humanity remain strong, inspiring those around her. Listeners are encouraged to get tested for Hepatitis C, as early detection and treatment can prevent the virus from being a silent killer.
Elly's dedication to harm reduction and her advocacy work continue to make a significant impact on the lives of many. Join Matthew and Elly in this engaging conversation that is both informative and hopeful, offering a glimpse into the complexities of public health services and the ongoing efforts to combat Hepatitis C.