Supporting Community Efforts to Retain Doctors in Cumberland

No one knows communities better than the people who live and work in them. That is why government is supporting a community-led project in Cumberland County to help recruit and retain doctors.

“The Culture Innovation Fund’s Healthy Communities Stream has been a success in helping to showcase our province’s culture, address social issues and harness opportunities in physician retention,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine. “We must continue our collaborative work with municipalities, community organizations and residents to embrace new physicians and their families choosing to live in urban and rural Nova Scotia.”

The Municipality of Cumberland will receive $15,700 to support the Cumberland County Regional Physician Retention Strategy which implements community and family led initiatives so physicians will be more engaged in the community.

Quotes:

"We are pleased to partner with the towns of Amherst and Oxford to deliver our strategy within the region. This community-led approach recognizes the need to become acquainted with new physicians and their families who may have unique interests and concerns. We want to demonstrate that living and practising in rural Nova Scotia does not mean giving up the opportunities of an urban lifestyle but rather discovering the extra benefits of the corners of our province.”

– Joe van Vulpen, Municipality of Cumberland councillor representative on the physician retention committee

“Our tight-knit communities are rich in experiences and vital to family well-being. A personalised approach to each physician and family will help us match their cultural and traditional values which ensures they are fully intergraded into the community as a whole.”

– Bruce Saunders, physician retention committee chair

Quick Facts:

• 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 through the program to a maximum of $25,000
• $200,000 is available each year in the Healthy Communities Stream
• the next round of applications for the program opens April 1

Additional Resources:

Culture Innovation Fund: Healthy Communities Stream: <https://novascotia.ca/culture-innovation-fund-healthy-communities<br> clear='all'/> Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: https://novascotia.ca/culture