Dec 5, 2024 Story by: Editor
Several Black health and wellness clinics have reopened across Nova Scotia, continuing an initiative launched during the pandemic to connect Black and African Nova Scotians with essential healthcare services, including vaccinations.
On Tuesday, health representatives set up at New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax, offering COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia vaccinations to the community.
“The largest part of our congregation is through the church, and through the clerks and the pastors, we are able to get the word out that these clinics are taking place,” said Debra Gannon, a coordinator with Nova Scotia Health.
Rhonda Britton, lead pastor at New Horizons Baptist Church, emphasized that these clinics not only improve accessibility but also aim to rebuild trust in a community that has faced disproportionate health challenges.
“We had a hill to climb in getting people to feel confident in having a vaccination because of the historical wrongs that have been done to people in that field,” said Britton. “By getting the word out, we hope it puts more people at ease and makes them feel comfortable.”
Ray Simmons, who received a vaccination at New Horizons on Tuesday, encouraged others to take advantage of the clinics.
“Get your flu shots. Get your COVID shots. Protect yourself,” Simmons urged.
The next Black health and wellness clinic is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 26 Cherry Brook Rd. in Dartmouth, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Source: CTV News Atlantic
