~ shared on behalf of Anna Marenick, VP of People, Culture & Belonging, and Dr. Annette Elliott Rose, Chief Nurse Executive & Vice President, Clinical Performance & Professional Practice
African Heritage Month, celebrated every February in Nova Scotia, is an opportunity to recognize and honour the lasting contributions, culture, and history of African Nova Scotians. This year's theme, Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance, shines a light on the resilience and achievements of African Nova Scotians, who have played a vital role in shaping our province for more than 400 years. February is a time to reflect on the impact Black and African Nova Scotians have had on Nova Scotia, and specifically within our healthcare system.
Nova Scotia Health is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment for everyone. That includes recognizing that systemic racism and anti-Black bias still exist in our healthcare system. To address that, we are striving to build a workplace where every patient, family, and team member feels respected, heard, empowered, and valued. These efforts directly align and are imbedded in the five strategic priorities at Nova Scotia Health, with a particular focus on people and culture first, primary healthcare access, and getting the right care, in the right place.
Our partnerships with Black and African Nova Scotian communities have led to meaningful programs like the Nova Scotia Sisterhood, a free healthcare initiative for Black women, which provides better access to health services and aims to improve overall well-being. We also want to highlight the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and all their ongoing hard work to improve access to healthcare for Black men. We encourage you to learn more about the services both these programs are providing.
We are also looking forward to hosting the African Nova Scotian hiring fair for the third year! You can learn more about that event here. Please share the event where you can. Everyone is welcome!
Progress requires ongoing collaboration, and our partnerships and initiatives are just the beginning. Creating a healthcare system that is truly equitable and inclusive depends on the active involvement of everyone: our staff, patients, communities, and other healthcare organizations. By embracing the values of respect, inclusivity, and compassion, combined with a focus on our strategic priorities, we can build a healthcare environment where everyone is supported and has the opportunity to thrive.
African Heritage Month provides an opportunity highlight and profile some of the talented and outstanding Black and African Nova Scotian team members at Nova Scotia Health. These contributions, dedication, and unique perspectives in a variety of roles contribute to the strength and success of our organization. We are proud to celebrate these achievements during African Heritage Month and in the days ahead. Stay tuned for those stories throughout the month.
African Heritage Month is a time to celebrate all Black and African Nova Scotian team members at Nova Scotia Health across the province. It’s also a time of remembrance and pride, to reflect and celebrate the collective struggles, as well as the strength, joy, and history. More information about the history of African Heritage Month can be found here.
A diversity of voices and ideas are required to reach our goal of healthy communities, for generations.
With Thanks,
Anna & Annette
