Members of IWK MHA & ANSS teams from L to R: Vanessa Izzard, Xavier Hartley, Chelsea Slawter-Wright, Katrina Chase-Brooks, Chelsea Provo, Nicole Works, Dr. Alexa Bagnell, Maureen Brennan & Cynthia Jordan/Courtesy: Ryan Wilson
IWK Mental Health and Addictions program is proud to announce the official launch of the African Nova Scotian Service (ANSS), a dedicated program designed to provide historical African Nova Scotian children, youth and their families with culturally responsive mental health and addiction services. This initiative addresses the long-standing underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian families within traditional health care systems and aims to deliver care that honours the unique cultural context of the community.
The IWK ANSS supports historical African Nova Scotian children and youth up to their 19th birthday, offering a comprehensive range of services including individual and family mental health and addiction support, educational programs, treatment groups, community outreach and resource navigation.
“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,” says Cynthia Jordan, ANSS Clinical Team Lead. “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.”
“IWK’s African Nova Scotian Service is building strong, compassionate connections with the local Black community and offering meaningful support for children and youth with addiction and mental health concerns,” says Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that provide more Nova Scotians with care that is truly inclusive, understanding, and responsive to their needs.”
The ANSS team is made up of an interprofessional group of clinicians including social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and recreation therapists, all of whom are of African Nova Scotian ancestry with deep roots in the community. This representation is critical to building trust, breaking down barriers and providing culturally safe, trauma-informed care.
“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.”
"When mental health and addiction services are delivered in meaningful, culturally responsive ways that reflect the diverse needs of the populations we serve, we become true partners in the healing process," says Maureen Brennan, Director, IWK Mental Health and Addictions. “We are so pleased to partner with the African Nova Scotian community to improve access to care.”
How to Access IWK ANSS:
- Call Central Referral toll-free at 1-855-922-1122
- An Access Navigator will collect your information and connect you to the appropriate services (calls take approximately 20–30 minutes)
- Request ANSS support at the time of first contact or at any point during service