Nova Scotia’s five-year community health plan focuses on housing, food insecurity, mental well-being

A new community health report is calling for more action on housing, affordability and food security in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s 35 Community Health Boards (CHBs) have launched the provincial summary of their Community Health Plans for 2025-2029, focusing on improving health and well-being across the province.

Nova Scotia Health says the priorities within the five-year plan were shaped through extensive community engagement conducted between November 2023 and March 2024.

Feedback for the plan was gathered through 150 in-person engagement sessions, 1,700 comment cards, and 2,652 responses to an online survey.

The province’s health authority says more than 6,700 residents provided their feedback, resulting in the following priorities:

- addressing issues such as food security, housing, transportation and social participation to reduce risks of poor health outcomes

- promoting physical activity and social inclusion as key elements of mental and physical health

- shaping spaces that foster well-being by improving where people live, work and play

- ensuring individuals can easily access services and resources that support wellness

- advocating for an inclusive environment that supports emotional well-being, vital for overall health

Community Health Board director Geoff Wilson said the report found that affordability is a major issue.

“The statistics and evidence is clear that poverty is a big factor in terms of how healthy we are,” said Wilson. “Because it (poverty) determines if we have access to safe housing and have access to healthy and nourishing foods.”

The report also raises health issues around active living and social connections.

“A focus on natural and built environments is something new that emerged in this plan,” said Wilson. “Is my community structured in a way that enables me to be able to live healthy? Can I bike safely and can I walk safely?”

The Community Health Boards plan to respond to the priorities with the following key actions:

- advising and supporting anti-poverty initiatives addressing critical issues such as housing, food security and educational opportunities

- promoting inclusive public spaces that encourage physical activity and foster social connections

- championing policies that improve access to healthy food, recreational opportunities and active transport infrastructure

- collaborating with organizations to build community cohesion and a strong sense of belonging

- supporting culturally appropriate services, including language supports, to enhance accessibility and inclusion for diverse populations

“Nova Scotia’s 35 Community Health Boards are essential partners in promoting and sustaining our vision of healthy communities for generations. I’m pleased to accept the 2025-2029 Community Health Plan,” said Karen Oldfield, interim president and CEO at Nova Scotia Health.

Nova Scotia Health says the boards will work with all interest holders – including the health authority, IWK Health and community organizations – to advance the priorities over the next five years.

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