The Community Liaison works to identify the needs of diverse communities throughout the province and develops strategies that work toward meeting them. To further understand these unique needs, the Community Liaison sits on several local and national committees that focus on issues of diversity. The following is our progress to date:
Following the release of Navigating the Cancer Care System: African Nova Scotians’ Experience, the Community Liaison met with over 14 communities to share the findings.
- Cancer Patient Navigators have been introduced to African Nova Scotian communities within their districts.
- Cancer Patient Navigators have begun assisting members from these communities to help them gain better access to cancer services.
- Several community education sessions about cancer prevention have been held.
- The Lay Educator program was established in East and North Preston. Through the program, lay people were trained to deliver medical information about breast and cervical health to community members.
- In February 2004, a panel discussion about general health issues was held in conjunction with black history month.
- In summer 2004, the Lay Educator program was evaluated. Results included positive feedback from the community and concluded that the Lay Educator program could be adapted to other communities. Evaluation results are available by contacting Donna Smith.
- In September 2004, a panel discussion on black men’s health was held.
- In 2005, the Community Liaison will explore developing the Lay Educator program in other communities.
- The Community Liaison established contact with health representatives within First Nations communities throughout the province.
- Cancer Patient Navigators have been introduced to the First Nation communities.
- A presentation about Cancer Patient Navigation was made at the Annual Atlantic Health Conference held in Dartmouth in January 2004.
- A researcher has begun conducting a needs assessment of First Nation communities. Results should be available in January 2005. Various initiatives and strategies will be developed based on the findings and recommendations.
- The Community Liaison established contact with researchers in various immigrant communities throughout the province.
- A researcher has begun conducting a needs assessment of Immigrant communities. Results should be available in January 2005. Various initiatives and strategies will be developed based on the findings and recommendations.