Nova Scotia Sisterhood: Healing, Together

Launched in 2023, the Nova Scotia Sisterhood is an all-Black female health-care team dedicated to providing culturally sensitive services to African Nova Scotian and Black women and gender-diverse individuals. The program, operating in Nova Scotia's central health zone, aims to dismantle systemic barriers that often impede access to care. Patients like Kate MacKinnon have found a supportive environment where they feel validated and understood, a stark contrast to previous negative experiences within the traditional healthcare system.

The Sisterhood's clinic in Dartmouth offers a wide range of services, from routine screenings like Pap tests and blood pressure checks to chronic disease management, clinical therapy, and nutrition counselling. Unlike the limited 15-minute slots in many family practices, the Sisterhood provides hour-long initial appointments and 30-minute follow-ups, allowing ample time for patients to discuss their health concerns openly. This approach is crucial given research indicating Black women in Nova Scotia are less likely to undergo cancer screenings.

To further improve access, the Sisterhood operates satellite clinics in various African Nova Scotian communities every Wednesday, addressing transportation and accessibility challenges. While the health authority has not confirmed expansion plans, advocates and patients hope the program will reach all Black women across the province, ensuring equitable access to the quality of care they deserve.