The Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) was established based on the work of some members of the African Nova Scotian and African Ancestry communities. The preliminary effort of the founding members, which consisted of Sharon Davis-Murdoch, Susan (Sue) Edmonds, Josephine Etowa, and Yvonne Atwell, included several “Lunch and Learn” workshops sponsored by the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. In April 2000, the Black Women’s Health Network was created.

The Black Women’s Health Project, in conjunction with the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, gathered information and documentation regarding Black health needs and was awarded a grant from the Population and Health Fund Canada. Nova Scotia Health recognized that the perceptions and voices of African Nova Scotians and Black/ African Ancestry communities are required to help the government develop policies that ensure inclusion. Workshops held within Black communities encouraging Black wellness in Nova Scotia were initiated. Before this time, there existed little or no information regarding the delivery of health care services in Black Canadian health communities or how they may differ from the delivery of health care in other communities.

The Black Women’s Health Project workshops initiated many other events. Participants discovered the essence of community and the invaluable contributions to Nova Scotia’s economic and social development. Moreover, these workshops allowed community members the opportunity to meet Black health professionals who could serve as role models.

Two years after the Black Women’s Health Project began, the Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) was born. The focus extended to the entire Black family and communities and broadened beyond women’s health. HAAC is also poised to serve beyond the borders of Nova Scotia and Canada.

HAAC is comprised of volunteers from the community, public policy, academia, and clinical agencies who are interested in advancing the current state of African health knowledge about African Nova Scotian and African Ancestry communities. HAAC is served by a staff of seven and is growing gradually.

The goal of the HAAC is to promote the health of African Nova Scotian and African Ancestry communities through community mobilization, public policy development, research, and advocacy. Action on Black health will provide community capacity, policy change, culturally responsive and culturally competent health interventions, partnerships, and improved health outcomes.