Clinic serving Black community is first of its kind in Dartmouth North
NSB & NSS Community Health Clinic at The North Grove
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Sisterhood are launching a new Community Health Clinic at The North Grove, a community hub in Dartmouth North.
The Community Clinic will offer Primary Healthcare services by appointments to individuals with African Ancestry in Nova Scotia. This is the fifth Community Health Clinic being opened by the Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and the first of its kind in Dartmouth North.
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Scotia Sisterhood a part of Nova Scotia Health’s Primary Healthcare, offers free programs for Black people in the community to help improve their overall health and wellbeing.
“Black people face numerous barriers in accessing the healthcare system and the Nova Scotia Brotherhood provides culturally competent care” says Duane Winter, Community Liaison with the Nova Scotia Brotherhood.
“This type of clinic is much needed in the province, it builds trust in the healthcare system when folks get to see providers who look like them.” he says.
The clinics will happen once a month and will provide a range of services, allowing patients to see a Medical Doctor, a Wellness Navigator and Clinical Therapist.
“Primary health care is often Eurocentric, but we adopt an Afrocentric approach, which means we centre people of African descent in Nova Scotia at the core of our mandate. That involves meeting people where they are. We do this by going into the community because we know that some folks don't feel safe or they don't feel heard when they leave their community,” says Ashley Preston, Community Liaison with the Nova Scotia Sisterhood.
“Dartmouth North is home to a significant African Nova Scotian/Black population, so this partnership with the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Scotia Sisterhood is invaluable. We are proud to play a role in offering accessible and appropriate Community Health Clinics in our community,” says Wendy Fraser, Executive Director at The North Grove.
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood has partnered with The North Grove since 2021, offering Emotional Regulation sessions and Barbershop Talks at the community hub. When the Nova Scotia Sisterhood launched in 2023 it also held programs like Salon Talks, Breast Cancer support group and Emotional Regulation sessions at The North Grove, making the location a natural fit for the clinic.
“This is a place where many people are already comfortable; it’s a place that people already trust, it’s open and accessible and it’s on a major bus route, which can bridge transportation barriers for people,” says Ashley Preston.
To make an appointment with Dr. Ron Milne, please call the Nova Scotia Brotherhood at 902-434-0824. To make an appointment with Dr. Leah Jones, please call the Nova Scotia Sisterhood at 902-399-5473.
About The North Grove:
The North Grove is a dynamic community hub, located in the heart of Dartmouth North, that offers programs and services for people to learn and connect through family support, food, and friendship. Learn more at www.thenorthgrove.ca.
About Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Scotia Sisterhood:
Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Scotia Sisterhood are free programs for Black/African NS people to access health care in the community to improve overall health and wellbeing. A team of health care professionals provide culturally appropriate primary medical care plus health and wellness services for people of African descent across Halifax Regional Municipality.
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