Funding to Support Community Efforts in Doctor Recruitment

NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Leo Glavine will be available to media at Province House, 1726 Hollis St., today, Aug. 14, at 11:30 a.m. in front of the library.

A new grant program to support communities trying to attract and keep doctors and their families is open for applications.

Government has launched the $200,000 Healthy Communities Stream under the Culture Innovation Fund. It is meant to help community leaders successfully connect new doctors to communities.

“The strength of our province begins in our vibrant communities,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “We know doctors consider many factors when making a decision about where to practise and where to raise a family and no one knows their communities better than those who live and work in them.

“This fund is meant to support recruitment and retention efforts by community groups and complement ongoing efforts by government and Nova Scotia Health Authority.”

The new stream was developed with input from community groups, municipal leaders, health professionals and the health authority. Municipalities, museums, libraries, social enterprises, First Nations communities and community groups and cultural organizations that are registered Nova Scotia not-for-profits may apply. Funding is available up to a maximum of $25,000.

“To have a strong and healthy community, you need to not only welcome physicians, but also to understand the importance of embracing them and their families outside of their practice,” said Amherst Mayor Dr. David Kogon. “For this reason the Healthy Communities Stream is a great opportunity for groups to address the unique ways physician retention can be improved in their community.”

The goal is to give communities the flexibility to come up with creative, innovative ways to promote their communities to potential doctors, as a great place to live, work and raise a family. That could include producing material to promote communities or introduce doctors to opportunities in communities for recreation, education and other activities as well as welcoming packages.

For more information, visit, https://novascotia.ca/culture-innovation-fund-healthy-communities/ .