A local community hub will soon host a healthcare clinic for those in the Dartmouth community with African Ancestry.

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Nova Scotia Sisterhood say it will be at The North Grove, by appointment, and will be the first of its kind for the community.

Executive Director for The North Grove, Wendy Fraser tells our newsroom it’s really exciting.

“The Brotherhood and Sisterhood adopt a more Afrocentric approach, which provides more culturally appropriate care to their patients.”

Community Liaison for Nova Scotia Sisterhood, Ashley Preston says, this approach, centers people with African Descent at the core of their mandate by meeting people in their own community.

“Because we know that some folks don’t feel safe, or they don’t feel heard when they leave their community.”

Preston says, The North Grove is a place where many people are already comfortable.

“It’s a place that people already trust, it’s open and accessible and it’s on a major bus route, which can bridge transportation barriers for people.”

Duane Winter, Community Liaison with the Nova Scotia Brotherhood says this type of clinic is much needed in the province.

Winter says Black people face numerous barriers in accessing the healthcare system and the Nova Scotia Brotherhood provides culturally competent care.

The clinics will be once a month offering a range of services, allowing patients to see a Medical Doctor, a Wellness Navigator and Clinical Therapist.

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood and The North Grove have had a partnership since 2021, offering Emotional Regulation sessions and Barbershop Talks at the community hub.

When the Nova Scotia Sisterhood launched in 2023 it also held programs like Salon Talks, Breast Cancer support group and Emotional Regulation sessions at The North Grove, making the location a natural fit for the clinic.

There will be appointments available for both men and women separately starting Wednesday.