IWK launches African Nova Scotian Service to provide ‘culturally responsive care’

Historical African Nova Scotians can now access mental health and addiction services that are specific to their needs.

The IWK Health Centre in Halifax has launched a new program designed to provide mental health and addiction services to African Nova Scotian children, youth and their families who have ties to one of the province’s 52 historic Black communities.

The African Nova Scotian Service (ANSS) at the children’s hospital will support historical African Nova Scotian children and youth up to their 19th birthday. The program will include services such as:

• individual and family mental health and addiction support
• educational programs
• treatment groups
• community outreach and resource navigation

“This initiative addresses the long-standing underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian families within traditional health care systems and aims to deliver care that honours the unique cultural context of the community,” reads a news release from the IWK Health Centre.

The program will be supported by an interprofessional group of clinicians that includes social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and recreational therapists, “all of whom are of African Nova Scotian ancestry with deep roots in the community.”

“The official launch of the IWK African Nova Scotian Service is a historical milestone for IWK and the African Nova Scotian (ANS) community and I am so proud to be a part of this journey,” says Cynthia Jordan, ANSS Clinical Team Lead.

“Providing culturally responsive care is about integrating evidence-based programs and delivering service with a lens that honours ANS culture, strength, resiliency, values, and beliefs. The IWK ANSS team is committed to building trusting relationships within the historical ANS community it serves.”

Nova Scotians who would like to access IWK ANSS can call Central Referral toll-free at 1-855-922-1122. According to the release, calls will take between 20 and 30 minutes and an Access Navigator will collect your information and connect you to the appropriate services. Nova Scotians can request ANSS support at the time of first contact or at any point during service.

“I was so happy to learn the IWK now has a service that prioritizes the needs of historical African Nova Scotian children, youth, and their families,” says former IWK patient, Janelle Oliver-Harris.

“African Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to see someone that not only looks like them but understands and provides service in a way that honours their diverse needs. Since receiving services at IWK, I experienced having a Black clinician and I know the benefits of having diversity reflected in mental health services. Having this service and team will make a difference.”

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