Our Mission
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative is a groundbreaking holistic program designed to eliminate healthcare barriers for Black men of African Ancestry in Nova Scotia. Our innovative approach combines primary healthcare with cultural understanding, creating a safe and welcoming environment where men can access the care they need and deserve.
Our Services
Our Journey
The Vision Begins
Sharon Davis-Murdoch, former advisor to the associate deputy minister of diversity and social inclusion for Nova Scotia, and HAAC founding member, discovers a CNN story about a successful healthcare program in Chicago's tough south side neighborhood. The Chicago program incorporated a culturally specific model where Black men received primary healthcare from Black doctors in exchange for free haircuts. This innovative approach inspired the vision to adapt a similar program for Nova Scotia's Black community.
Building the Foundation
Sharon Davis-Murdoch, as a founding member of HAAC (Health Association for African Canadians), leads the initiative to adapt the Chicago model for Nova Scotia. Years of planning, community engagement, and partnership building lay the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking healthcare program specifically designed for Nova Scotian Black men of African Ancestry.
Official Program Launch
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative officially launches as a holistic program aimed at breaking down barriers to healthcare for Nova Scotian Black men of African Ancestry. The program begins offering three core services: primary care, health promotion, and chronic disease management, all delivered through a culturally competent lens that understands the unique needs and experiences of Black men.
Inspiring Expansion
The success of the Brotherhood Initiative inspires HAAC to partner with Dalhousie School of Medicine's Service-Learning Program. Medical student Moyin Adesanya begins working under Co-President Sharon Davis-Murdoch's direction to build a case for establishing a Nova Scotia Sisterhood Initiative - a complementary program that would extend the Brotherhood Initiative's successful model to serve African Nova Scotian and Black women.
Continued Impact & Growth
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative continues to serve as a model for culturally competent healthcare delivery. The program's success demonstrates that when healthcare is provided in culturally familiar settings by professionals who understand the community's experiences, barriers dissolve and health outcomes improve. The Initiative's impact extends beyond individual health, contributing to stronger, healthier communities across Nova Scotia.
Making a Difference
Since our establishment in 2015, the Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative has been at the forefront of addressing healthcare disparities in our community. We understand that healthcare is not just about treating illness—it’s about creating environments where Black men feel respected, understood, and empowered to take charge of their health.
Our culturally specific approach recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black men in accessing healthcare, from historical medical mistrust to systemic barriers. By providing care that is both clinically excellent and culturally relevant, we’re not just treating patients—we’re building healthier communities.