Province Celebrates Diversity, Social Inclusion with Grants

Health information for Nova Scotians in diverse cultural groups will be easier to understand and more relevant because of provincial investments.

"Part of what makes our province special is our diversity and the different populations who call Nova Scotia home," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "These grants help ensure that we integrate cultural and social diversity in our day-to-day work."

The Diversity and Social Inclusion Grants are available to all district health authorities, the IWK and provincial programs, to support health care delivery that respects a diverse population. The guidelines are for health care professionals and partners who include cultural identity and unique needs into health information, programs and services.

"This grant helps us deliver programs that provide an inclusive and safe environment for all our patients, families, staff and physicians," said Cybelle Rieber, prideHealth co-ordinator. "This year, we will use the grant to replace signage on over 200 single-stall washrooms in our facilities across the district to include a transgender symbol."

This year, $155,000 will be given to the health authorities and IWK for projects including:

• increasing knowledge and awareness of physicians and staff toward members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community in Capital District Health Authority
• working with African Nova Scotian communities in Antigonish and Guysborough to better understand issues for health promotion and protection, and how to address them
• developing pride employee resource group activities in Cape Breton District Health Authority

For more information on the province's cultural competence guidelines, visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/primaryhealthcare/diversity.asp .