Cumberland County Wellness Navigator focused on community health and connection

As Cumberland County’s new wellness navigator, Zack Knol is working to improve health and wellness by connecting residents with local supports and developing new programs based on community need.

With a background in health promotion and community engagement, Zack brings a practical, rural-focused lens to his work. His early efforts have focused on building relationships and gathering insight to better understand what’s working and what’s missing.

“That means talking to people, listening to their experiences, and identifying gaps,” he says. “It’s about understanding both the data and what’s happening on the ground.”

Using local health statistics and community input, Zack aims to address persistent challenges and improve access to care.

“Infrastructure can be a challenge here,” he says. “Cumberland is a large rural area, and it’s not always easy to access services. Connecting with local partners helps us respond more effectively.”

One aspect of the role he values is the flexibility to design programs that reflect current needs.

“I’m not locked into a set curriculum,” he says. “There’s room to adapt and create programming to meet the changing needs of the community.”

That approach is already in motion this summer, with a lineup of free wellness programs offered across Amherst, Springhill, Parrsboro, Wallace, and Pugwash. The sessions focus on practical, everyday ways to support health and well-being.

Upcoming programs include:

• Summer Self-Care Series – A six-week series covering topics like mindfulness, sleep, and boundaries.
  Thursdays, July 24 to Aug. 28, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at One Door Clinic, Amherst
• Meditation in the Park – Guided mindfulness for all skill levels.
  Aug. 6 and 13, 12 to 1 p.m. at Rotary Park, Amherst
• Fitness in the Park – A free mid-day workout for all fitness levels.
  July 23 and 30, 12 to 1 p.m. at Rotary Park, Amherst
• Stress Management Workshop – Learn simple tools for managing daily stress.
  July 17, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at All Saints Springhill Hospital

Healthy living and smoking cessation workshops are also planned for later in the summer.

“People are busy, and it’s easy to put wellness last,” Zack says. “These sessions make it a little easier to show up for yourself, even if it’s just for an hour a week.”

Outside of work, Zack enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with his two-and-a-half-year-old, often exploring the outdoors together as a family.

To register or learn more about wellness programming in Cumberland County, contact Zack at 902-661-2578 or Cumberland.Wellness@NSHealth.ca.

Photo of Zack Knol, the new wellness navigator for Cumberland County, is helping connect residents with local health programs and community supports.