More than medicine: Cultivating equity and inclusion in healthcare practice

Prah Deedar
As Nova Scotia continues to welcome newcomers, a reality persists: many immigrants often face significant health equity challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these inequities, showing how systemic barriers can affect immigrants and emphasizing the urgent need for equitable access to healthcare.
In early 2024, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and Nova Scotia Health launched an innovative hybrid workshop series aimed to fight workplace racism and discrimination while building a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
“I used the holistic approach to empower participants termed as ‘Change Champions’ where everyone felt valued and heard,” explains Colleen Belle, Welcoming Communities Coordinator at ISANS. “They were able to integrate diverse perspectives and unlocked a deeper sense, purpose and meaning of promoting equitable environments for all.”
The tailored sessions brought together 37 Change Champions who learned critical topics such as equity, diversity, unconscious bias, and micro-aggression. Participants gained practical skills to effectively address these issues in their work environments.
“The concept of developing a group of Change Champions is particularly impactful. They inspire others to adopt new behaviors, practices, and technologies, creating a ripple effect that spreads throughout the organization,” emphasizes Rhea Farris, Health Services Lead at Nova Scotia Health.
The initiative aims to enhance collaborative efforts, align resources, and implement best practices that promote better health outcomes for all.
“This course provided new learning and ongoing self-reflection both personally and professionally,” shares Shawna Boudreau, Registered Nurse at the Diabetes Education Centre at Valley Regional Hospital and one of our new Change Champions. “The wrap-up session, which included a segment of Courageous Conversations, enabled us to practice our learnings in a safe space.”
Nova Scotia Health is expanding this work, including principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility into community healthcare teams and boards, reinforcing their commitment to these values across the organization. The workshops provide practical skills to help healthcare workers create real change, focusing on understanding different experiences, to build a better healthcare system for everyone.
“I have never seen individuals open up and create a space for honest conversation about racism, recognizing that change takes time. Empathy connects humans, and Colleen ignited that passion,” recognizes Rhea. “This willingness to be vulnerable and ask questions fosters a sense of community and collective growth, emphasizing the idea that the journey towards understanding and improvement is ongoing.”
Nova Scotia Health is expanding this initiative and bringing these ideas to more teams and community groups. The goal is simple: make sure every patient receives fair, respectful care.
“By focusing on becoming better rather than perfect, people can support each other in their learning processes, leading to meaningful progress in addressing racism,” says Rhea.
In an increasingly diverse Nova Scotia, programs like this are crucial. They show that good healthcare is about more than just treating illness – it’s about treating every person with dignity and respect. These initiatives pave the way for a more inclusive healthcare system, ensuring everyone has access to the care they deserve.