Community health boards across Nova Scotia announce wellness fund recipients

HALIFAX, N.S. - Community health boards (CHBs) in Nova Scotia are pleased to announce $700,000 has been awarded to 329 projects supporting local population health priorities in fiscal year 2025-26.

Grants from the CHB wellness fund are awarded annually to non-profit organizations across the province working to improve the health of their communities, based on priorities identified by the CHBs.

A Lunenburg County group appreciated its $2,656 grant, which allows it to further reach deserving food insecure households through its nourishing communities program.

"Giving underserved folks access to the market allows dignity of choice in recipients' food support, while at the same time, ultimately bolstering our local economy, as the money makes its way back into local neighbours' entrepreneurial hands," said Whitney Cruikshank of the Chester Farmers’ and Artisan Market.

Meanwhile, the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes is thankful for its $2,500 in wellness fund backing. Association president Angela McCarthy said it enables the organization to expand essential education, resources and peer support within communities.

"This funding will play a crucial role in diminishing stigma, fostering mental and physical well-being, and ensuring that individuals living with epilepsy, their families and communities feel supported, understood and connected," McCarthy said.

"Through our various programs and services, we are committed to cultivating a stronger, more compassionate community where no one faces their epilepsy journey alone. Wellness starts with support and the support from the wellness fund is instrumental in helping us develop initiatives that empower and uplift our epilepsy community."

Provincial chairwoman of the CHBs, Rhonda Frank, said wellness funds are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations by giving them the resources to tackle what they see as community needs.

"These investments ensure local groups have the tools and resources they need to address priorities," Frank explained. "By supporting local projects, we’re not only fostering healthier communities, but also building resilience, connection and long-term well-being across Nova Scotia.”

For a complete list of recipients in each zone and to learn more about the wellness fund visit: https://www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/wellness-funds