Mark Selkirk was admitted to Toronto General Hospital suffering from acute liver failure caused by alcohol use disorder. He was denied access to a liver transplant because he was not alcohol-free for six months. He died 17 days later, on November 24, 2010.
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Debra Selkirk, his wife, filed a constitutional challenge against the 6-month wait on October 28, 2015. As a direct result of her court process, Ontario will launch a three-year pilot program in 2018, assessing all patients with alcohol-associated liver disease without any period of sobriety.
The Selkirk Liver Society was launched in October 2017 to continue to formally support and advocate for alcohol-associated liver disease.
History of
the society
OUR VISION
ENCOURAGE BEST MEDICINE
Influence change within Canada’s medical community toward a more proactive, holistic treatment approach for patients with liver disease caused by alcohol use disorder
RESHAPE PERCEPTION
Reshape public perception of persons living with alcohol use disorder
GIVE A HAND UP
Facilitate psychosocial requirements for transplant approval and post-transplant success
ENCOURAGE
BEST MEDICINE
HOLISTIC TREATMENT
We are working to promote a holistic treatment program that includes these professionals:
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hepatologist: to treat liver disease;
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addictions specialist: to treat underlying alcohol use disorder;
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registered dietitian: to ensure patient understands how diet impacts liver health; and,
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nurse practitioner: to educate patient about progression of liver cirrhosis.
ADDICTION TREATMENT
We are working to influence change in the medical community with enhanced training in addiction and its acceptance as a treatable disease.
EDUCATION
We are creating educational materials to ensure patients with liver disease are well-informed about their disease and their treatment.
SHIFT MEDIA PORTRAYAL
Sensitive and appropriate language in the media will lessen the stigma attached to alcohol-associated liver disease.
RESHAPE PUBLIC PERCEPTION
We are cultivating a new way of looking at people living with alcohol use disorder, instilling the idea that no one chooses a life with addiction.
RESHAPE
PERCEPTION
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GIVE A
HAND UP
FACILITATE LIFE CONDITIONS
We are striving to ensure access to the waitlist for persons with alcohol associated liver disease by facilitating absent life conditions and relationships.