Good News for the Holidays: $2.6 Million in Community Health Investments

 

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Monday, December 16, 2024, …. As the year winds down, the Aberdeen Health Foundation looks back on a season of giving and gratitude. At a pivotal board meeting in late November, the Foundation approved $1.5 million in new funding commitments, raising this year’s total to over $2.6 million. This marks a record-breaking milestone for annual funding commitments, surpassing 2014—the year the Foundation made a significant $1.5 million investment in the redevelopment of the Emergency Department.

This year’s investments build on that legacy, supporting critical health care needs, enhancing community programs, and improving access to essential services across Pictou County. Among the many projects approved, two stand out for their immediate and profound impact: a new Palliative Care In-Home Volunteer Program and a Transportation Support Program that has already transformed how patients access care.

Palliative Care Volunteers: Compassion at Home

For many facing the end of life, being at home surrounded by familiarity brings the greatest sense of comfort. Yet, this experience can be deeply challenging and overwhelming for both patients and their loved ones. Recognizing this, the Foundation has committed $40,000 to help the Pictou County Palliative Care Society (PCPCares) launch an In-Home Volunteer Program.

This program addresses a vital gap in local palliative care services by recruiting and training volunteers to provide non-medical support at home. These volunteers will offer companionship and respite to caregivers while helping families navigate the emotional challenges of end-of-life care.

“Eighty percent of palliative patients in Pictou County are home-based,” explains the Society. “The need for in-home care, where clients can feel comfortable and be themselves, has nearly doubled in the past year. Those who are seriously ill often wish to stay at home for as long as they can. The Society’s approach has always been, ‘Let’s help them do that.’ This program will provide families with the non-medical emotional support they need to honour their loved ones’ wish to remain at home.”

In its first year, the program aims to train 20 volunteers who will provide direct support to at least 40 patients and their families. Beyond immediate care, the initiative will serve as a model that could inspire similar programs in other communities across Nova Scotia.

This kind of support not only helps patients remain in their homes but also provides relief and peace of mind to their families, allowing them to focus on meaningful moments together during a difficult time.

Transportation Support: Bridging the Gap to Care

In rural communities, accessing health care often means traveling to another town or city, adding extra stress and challenges to an already difficult situation. That’s why the Foundation is proud to support the Transportation Support Program, a pilot initiative launched in 2023 by Public Health. This program is a lifeline for individuals who struggle to reach medical appointments due to transportation barriers.

Since its inception, the program has facilitated over 17,000 rides, helping patients attend critical services such as dialysis, cancer treatments, and mental health appointments. Approximately 54% of users have become repeat riders, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in addressing an ongoing need.

For many, these rides represent more than just transportation—they are a pathway to better health outcomes.

The program’s success is also reflected in its impact on the health care system. Preliminary data shows a reduction in “no-show” rates for medical appointments, improving patient outcomes and clinic efficiency. With continued support, this initiative is poised to help even more individuals access the care they need, when they need it.

 

Making a Difference, Together

The Foundation’s investments this year touch nearly every aspect of community health. Additional highlights include:

Advancing Women’s and Children’s Health: The Foundation’s commitment to women’s and children’s health includes a transformative $750,000 investment in digital mammography technology to improve early cancer detection. Additionally, $32,820 has been allocated for a new birthing bed to enhance maternal and neonatal care, and a Bilisoft Phototherapy Blanket ($9,500) which supports specialized care for newborns.

Expanding Medical Equipment Across Care Areas: Over $780,000 has been directed toward acquiring essential medical equipment. This includes $44,400 for the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) in the Emergency Department, supporting patient access and flow, as well as investments in an ophthalmology system for the Eye Clinic ($235,000), an ECG machine for the Medical Inpatient Unit ($20,000), a venous access ultrasound system for the Ambulatory Treatment Clinic ($20,600), and a pneumatic tourniquet for the Surgical Services Unit ($61,600). Additional upgrades include multipurpose scanners, pulse oximeters, and syringe pumps for VON Pictou County ($138,000), ensuring caregivers have the tools they need for exceptional care.

Enhancing Community Health and Equity: A $100,000 commitment to the Pictou County Community Health Centre and additional funding for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Roots for Youth, SchoolsPlus Pictou County, YMCA of Pictou County, Highland Community Residential Services, and Kids First Association reinforces the Foundation’s efforts to promote health equity and population health.

Expanding Renal Dialysis Capacity: The Renal Care Unit at Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital is undergoing a significant transformation, with a $600,000 investment this year as part of the Foundation’s $1.2 million, two-year commitment. This expansion will triple the number of dialysis stations from 4 to 12, bringing the total capacity to 48 patients per week.

“This year’s commitments reflect the heart of what we do,” says Lisa MacDonald, Board Chair of the Aberdeen Health Foundation. “By addressing immediate needs and investing in long-term solutions, we’re building a healthier, more connected community.”

As we celebrate the season of giving, the Aberdeen Health Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the donors, volunteers, and community members who make these investments possible. Your support is changing lives—today and for generations to come.

From all of us at the Aberdeen Health Foundation, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season.

 

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2023, the Foundation invested over $2 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Ferris
Executive Director
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4442
Michelle.Ferris@nshealth.ca