IWK launches African Nova Scotian Service for culturally relevant mental health care
Posted Jun 17, 2025 05:22:12 AM.
Last Updated Jun 17, 2025 11:38:24 AM.
The IWK has announced a new service designed to provide culturally relevant mental health and addictions care to African Nova Scotians.
The African Nova Scotian Service, as it’s called, is part of the IWK’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. The goal is to address the longstanding underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian families within traditional health care systems and to deliver care honouring the unique cultural context of the community.
The program supports African Nova Scotian children until they reach 19 years old, offering services including mental health and addiction support, as well as education programs, community outreach, and more.
Clinical Team Lead Cynthia Jordan says the team is committed to building trust with the African Nova Scotian 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,” she said. “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.”
“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.”
The African Nova Scotian Service team consists of social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and recreation therapists, all of whom are of African Nova Scotian ancestry.
