The Challenge

African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent face disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes, leading to increased rates of heart attack and stroke.

Key Issue: Despite the Preston Township’s proximity to the Dartmouth General Hospital, cardiovascular specialists identified a disproportionately low number of African Nova Scotians seeking cardiovascular care.

Our Response

Thanks to a generous grant from TD Bank, we established a comprehensive program to understand and address cardiovascular health issues in the Preston Township – home to the largest African descended communities in Canada.

The program focuses on creating culturally competent care and removing barriers to healthcare access.

Project Goals

  • Awareness: Create increased awareness about heart health in the Preston Township
  • Barrier Identification: Determine barriers that exist to accessing culturally connected cardiovascular health services
  • Solution Development: Identify the best ways to address these barriers
  • Baseline Understanding: Establish critical baseline understanding of cardiac health issues in the community

Four Pillars Approach

The project was structured around four foundational pillars, each supported by dedicated committees bringing specific perspectives and deliverables:

Faith

Engaging religious communities and faith leaders

Community

Building grassroots community connections

History

Honoring cultural heritage and experiences

Research & Policy

Evidence-based solutions and policy development

Project Timeline

Feb 14, 2020

Project launch – Initial commitment to improving heart health in Preston Township.

Sep 2020

Four Pillar committees established with monthly meetings and community engagement.

Apr 27, 2022

Community survey information session held at Black Cultural Centre.

Summer 2022

Comprehensive community survey distribution and collection throughout Preston Township.

Feb 14, 2025

Concluding event and community feedback session at Black Cultural Centre.

Community Survey

A comprehensive, confidential survey was conducted throughout the Preston Township, respectfully capturing the lived experiences of African Nova Scotians.

Participants: African Nova Scotian residents over 19 years of age, including those with historical connections to the Township.

Data Collection: Door-to-door outreach with warmth and community connection, ensuring trust and respect.

Survey Components

  • Demographic and socioeconomic information
  • Cardiac risk factors and diseases
  • Cardiovascular specialist appointments and follow-up
  • Experiences of racism and structural inequities in healthcare
  • Barriers to accessing care at Dartmouth General Hospital
  • Optional focus group participation and long-term follow-up

Data Stewardship

The survey and results belong to the Preston Township, with the Health Association of African Canadians serving as stewards of the data. This ensures that no data analysis or publication occurs without proper consent and community oversight.

Community Ownership: This approach respects community autonomy and ensures that research benefits the community directly.

Looking Forward

Five years after launch, our concluding event on February 14th, 2025, marked not an end, but a new beginning.

We remain committed to working toward improved heart health and general health outcomes for Preston Township Communities and all African Nova Scotians and People of African descent in Nova Scotia.

Our mission continues: Building bridges between communities and healthcare, ensuring culturally competent care, and addressing health inequities through community-driven solutions.