‘Finding the Missing Millions’ is the theme as the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area is marking World Hepatitis Day.

An event goes from 10 am to 2 pm in Leger Square outside City Hall.

Nearly 600,000 Canadians are affected by hepatitis B and/or C.

Communications Coordinator Kirk Titmuss says stats show about 44 per cent of those infected are not aware of their status, so they’re raising awareness about getting checked.

“Right now there’s a big push to get those in the Boomer classification, that would be from 1945 to 1975, people from that era should definetly go out and get checked, it’s a very simple process,” he says.

Free, rapid hepatitis C testing will be provided at today’s event.

There’s also a free bbq, games, prizes and local entertainment.

Titmuss says another aspect they’re highlighting is recent changes with treatment coverage.

“At one time you had to be very ill, in the late stages of the disease before you could get treatment and now they have revoked that process and treatment can begin immediately, and it’s covered by the province,” he says.

Mayor Al McDonald will be reading official proclamation at today’s event.

ACNBA staff, volunteers, peers and supporters including reps for Nipissing MP, Anthony Rota and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, along with local enforcement guests will be on hand.

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