After enduring years of feeling overlooked by the healthcare system, Kate MacKinnon expresses gratitude for finally receiving the quality treatment she merits. She has been under the care of the Nova Scotia Sisterhood for nearly a year, a group of all-Black female healthcare professionals committed to providing culturally sensitive services.
The Sisterhood caters to African Nova Scotian and Black women, as well as gender-diverse individuals aged 19 and above, irrespective of having a family doctor, within the central health zone of the province. MacKinnon emphasized that her experience with the Sisterhood transcends a typical medical facility, stating, “I feel acknowledged and understood, perhaps for the first time in my life.”
Established in 2023, the Sisterhood drew inspiration from the achievements of its counterpart, the Nova Scotia Brotherhood. Backed by research and advocacy from the Health Association of African Canadians, the program recently relocated to a new clinic on Wyse Road in Dartmouth. Staff at the facility offer a wide array of services ranging from Pap tests, blood pressure monitoring, and chronic disease management to clinical therapy and nutritional guidance.
Operated through the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the Sisterhood aims to dismantle systemic obstacles that Black women frequently encounter when navigating the healthcare system. Natalie Johnson, the program’s lead and registered dietitian, remarked that patients feel more at ease sharing their experiences as Black women at the Sisterhood compared to conventional healthcare settings.
MacKinnon highlighted her journey towards physical and psychological healing from racism and discrimination she faced over the years. She noted a lack of recognition within the traditional healthcare system regarding the impact of these experiences on her overall well-being.
Tykora Brinton, the family practice nurse responsible for new patient intakes, lamented the strain on the healthcare system, with family doctors often having only 15 minutes per patient. In contrast, the Sisterhood offers hour-long initial appointments and 30-minute follow-ups, providing patients ample time to discuss their concerns without feeling rushed.
Nurse practitioner Kiersten Boyle shared her experience of conducting over 1,000 office visits since May, with many patients overdue for routine screenings like Pap tests for cervical cancer. This aligns with research indicating that Black women in Nova Scotia are less likely to undergo screenings for breast and cervical cancers.
Recognizing the reluctance among some patients to seek care, the Sisterhood extends its services directly to select African Nova Scotian communities. A family doctor rotates between satellite clinics in Halifax, Dartmouth, Upper Hammonds Plains, East Preston, and North Preston on Wednesdays to address accessibility challenges faced by patients.
While plans to expand the Sisterhood’s reach remain uncertain, MacKinnon advocates for broader availability of their services across the province, particularly in rural areas. She envisions all Black women in Nova Scotia receiving the same level of care she has received at the Sisterhood.