Brief Nurse-family partnership program launched in eastern counties
ANTIGONISH — Public Health in Nova Scotia’s Eastern Zone, covering Antigonish, Guysborough, Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria counties, is inviting referrals for individuals to participate in the Nurse-family Partnership Program (NFP).
The NFP, a voluntary home-visiting program, pairs a trained public health nurse with first-time expectant parents who could benefit from additional support due to various challenges.
Beginning early in pregnancy, the partnership extends until the child’s second birthday.
Studies demonstrate the NFP’S usefulness in reducing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, language delays and behavioural issues, among other benefits for children and parents.
Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson stressed the importance of strong support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
“This program and others like it provide specific support to expecting families and their children, helping to ensure the next generation of Nova Scotians gets a healthy start.”
Following Ontario and B.C., Nova Scotia is the third Canadian province to implement the NFP, which is utilized in eight countries globally.
Expectant individuals residing in Antigonish, Guysborough, Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria counties can self-refer to the N.S. Health early years program or be referred by health-care professionals or community organizations.
More information can be found on the NSH website. www.nshealth. CA/NFP.
Funding to help promote health-care recruitment
Three Annapolis Valley community groups are receiving funding to support their efforts to attract and retain health-care workers and their families.
The Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation will use $99,963 through the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund to create recruitment projects under the banner ‘Making the Mid Valley Home’, which will look to networking opportunities for students and healthcare professionals to promote local career options.
Additionally, the project will connect the community through African culture programming and several appreciation and outreach events.
The Village of Lawrencetown will receive $22,020 towards hosting planned social events for newcomers and making marketing materials to attract doctors and the Town of Annapolis Royal will create a new promotional video showcasing what the town has to offer with $7,500 in funding.
“Attracting new health-care workers and engaging them and their families with local support translates to long-term success for our community,” said Kings West MLA Chris Palmer.
“This funding ensures local communities can show off the best their area has to offer and inclusively bring in new recruits who’ll hopefully soon feel at home and appreciate what we have to offer.”