The IWK Health Centre has launched a new service aimed at providing culturally relevant mental health and addictions care specifically for African Nova Scotians. This initiative, known as the African Nova Scotian Service, is integrated within the IWK's Mental Health and Addictions Program. Its primary objective is to address the longstanding underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian families in traditional healthcare systems while delivering care that respects and acknowledges the unique cultural contexts of this community.
The African Nova Scotian Service is designed to support children and youth of African Nova Scotian descent up to the age of 19. It offers a range of services that include mental health and addiction support, educational programs, community outreach, and other resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community. This comprehensive approach aims to foster healing and resilience among youth while promoting a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
Cynthia Jordan, the Clinical Team Lead for the African Nova Scotian Service, emphasized the team's commitment to building trust with the African Nova Scotian community. She expressed pride in the program, stating, "The official launch of the IWK African Nova Scotian Service is a historical milestone for IWK and the African Nova Scotian community. Providing culturally responsive care involves the integration of evidence-based programs and the delivery of services that honor African Nova Scotian culture, strength, resiliency, values, and beliefs." This commitment to culturally responsive care reflects the team's dedication to forming trusting relationships with a community that has historically been underserved.
Former IWK patient Janelle Oliver-Harris shared her enthusiasm for the new service, expressing how vital it is for African Nova Scotian children, youth, and their families to have access to care that prioritizes their unique needs. She stated, "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.” Oliver-Harris highlighted the significance of seeing providers who not only share similar backgrounds but also understand the community's specific challenges. Her personal experience with a Black clinician at IWK showcased the positive impact of diversity in mental health services, emphasizing that this new service will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
The dedicated team of the African Nova Scotian Service comprises social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and recreation therapists, all of whom have African Nova Scotian ancestry. This composition ensures that the services provided are not only culturally relevant but also resonate deeply with the community they serve, fostering a greater sense of belonging and empathy within the care received.
Overall, the launch of the African Nova Scotian Service represents a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and effective mental health care system tailored to the historical and cultural nuances of African Nova Scotians. By prioritizing this service, the IWK aims to bridge the gap in care, thereby improving mental health outcomes for children and youth within this community.
