Meet the Nova Scotia Brotherhood, empowering Black men’s health

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood was created to help Black men who face barriers accessing healthcare. The program provides primary healthcare services, in addition to wellness programs and groups. Its goal is to bridge the gap for Black men by creating a supportive space that addresses their unique needs and challenges, while empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being.

The idea for the program started in 2012, but it didn’t launch until late 2015 after representatives of the Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) visited the pioneering holistic healthcare organization Project Brotherhood in Chicago. Inspired by what they saw there, HAAC partnered with Nova Scotia Health to create a program designed for African Nova Scotians.

“We realized there were systemic barriers and a long history of racial bias in the healthcare system. With Nova Scotia having the largest indigenous Black population in Canada, it was important to create something intentional and culturally relevant that would impact communities,” said Preston Trench, team lead and wellness navigator of the Nova Scotia Brotherhood.

This free program offers a wide range of healthcare services, with a focus on creating healthy habits and early intervention. “Prevention is better than cure,” Trench said. “So, if we can see folks in their community and provide them with the support and care that they need, we can help them stay healthy and prevent them from ending up in the hospital.” 

The team includes a family physician who has been with the Brotherhood since its inception, as well as a family practice nurse, a community liaison, a part-time administrative assistant, and Trench himself, who serves both as the wellness navigator and team lead, having a background in social work.

“Our family physician, Dr. Ron Milne, is phenomenal. He’s so kind and makes people feel heard. He’s like the father that all of us yearn for,” Trench said. “Our family practice nurse, Mr. Tyler Brothers, is also amazing. He’s out there in the community, sitting in on clinics, following clients and making sure they have the support they need.”

Trench is also out in the community helping patients. “I attend hospitals, build relationships with patients, and help advocate for them. When they're discharged, we already have that trust and relationship built. So, I can continue to help them and connect them to our services and prevent them from ending up back in the hospital,” he said. 

Additionally, the Brotherhood can help people access psychiatrists, social workers, dietitians and other services they may need, including legal help.

The Brotherhood also addresses the stigma and lack of trust that Black men often have toward the healthcare system. "There has been a long history of marginalization and systemic racism. When people don’t trust the system, it’s our job to make them feel heard," he said. 

One of the Brotherhood's key programs is their “barbershop talks,” where Black men can discuss everything from relationships to finances in a non-judgmental environment, all while they get a haircut. These sessions encourage everyone to open up about difficult topics like mental health, something that’s often stigmatized among men. “The barbershop is more than just a haircut for Black men. Our barbershop talks allow them to connect with other Black men and have a real conversation,” Trench said.

Beyond the barbershop talks, the Brotherhood has a number of programs aimed at strengthening the health and well-being of the community. These include running groups, a health fair that includes a car show, conferences and workshops; they're even planning for a future book club. 

“Our running group has a big impact,” Trench said. “It’s a way to connect with yourself and nature. The group jokes that I’m trying to kill them, but they say they really do love it. As much as it helps their physical health, it helps their mental health as well. It’s beautiful to see folks excited to get up at 7 a.m. and go running. It gives them a total reset and appreciation for the little things.”

The annual conference, which last year attracted more than 350 Black men, encourages conversations on wellness and community issues, including mental health and accountability. A working group of Black men from the community come together to plan the conference each year. The next one takes place in November.

The Nova Scotia Brotherhood also does important work supporting Black men in the justice system. The team recognized the overrepresentation of Black men in the court system and the lack of emotional and psychological support available. “The Black Lives Matter movement also contributed to the conversation about cultural competence and asked: how do we (the system) show up for marginalized populations and peoples?” said Trench.

In response, the Brotherhood helped create programs that centre the voices of those most affected and offer advocacy and support. These include Wellness Court, Domestic Violence Court and the Anger Management Program. 

Wellness Court takes a restorative approach to criminal actions linked to mental health or substance use, and the Brotherhood supports rehabilitation, connecting individuals to medical and psychological help. 

Domestic Violence Court focuses on healing and accountability rather than punishment, addressing underlying issues that contribute to harm, such as trauma, emotional regulation and systemic barriers. The Brotherhood provides advocacy and culturally responsive support, with their team's therapist also participating in court meetings, helping ensure people receive meaningful, wraparound care.

The six to eight-week Anger Management Program uses an Afrocentric, trauma-informed model. Through therapy, one-on-one support, and community care, the Brotherhood helps individuals address root issues and move forward.

Community engagement is important and will continue to shape the Brotherhood’s services going forward. “We’re always asking our community what they need, what’s working, and what isn’t,” Trench said. “This is a collective effort, and we are committed to walking alongside the men in our community.”

On top of providing important healthcare services, The Nova Scotia Brotherhood is about creating lasting relationships and empowering Black men in Nova Scotia to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. “We’re here to help, to listen and to support you."

For those interested in getting involved, you can self-refer to any of the Brotherhood’s services by phone at 902-434-0824 or email nsbrotherhood@nshealth.ca. To learn more, you can visit Nova Scotia Brotherhood.

Photo of Brotherhood team members and participants.