Diversity & Inclusion
What is diversity?
Capital Health defines diversity as differences among people, as individuals or groups. Diversity includes difference in age, abilities, culture, ethnicity, gender, geographical location, language, physical characteristics, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, spirituality and values. (Adapted from Nova Scotia Department of Health, 2005)
What’s Capital Health doing about diversity?
- Engaging diverse communities through dialogue and focus groups. We’re building this input into Capital Health’s plans for the future
- Working to improve cultural health interpretation services to help ensure equitable health care
- Conducting research to collect local health data from diverse populations to inform decision-making
- Offering cultural competency education to staff and physicians
- Building and sustaining diverse partnerships with organizations and community groups
- Embedding diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies
- Spiritual Care and Sacred Spaces
How can I support diversity and inclusion in my work area?
- Diversity and Inclusion Committees - Connect with others who are passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Access trained cultural health interpreters. To learn more about cultural health interpretation, such as when and how to book an interpreter; to ask questions or arrange a presentation for your area, or to order a multi-lingual interpretation poster and staff information card, call Karima Bushra at (902) 473-1909
- Attend a Cultural Competence Education Session
Each of us has a story. It is shaped by our background, our experiences, our culture, religion or spirituality, our sexual orientation and so much more. If we rely only on facts and statistics without knowing a person’s story, we cannot hope to help him or her achieve better health. If you have a story of diversity and health, we’d love to hear it. Please contact Margaret Angus at (902) 473-2726 or margaret.angus@cdha.nshealth.ca
