Aberdeen Health Foundation

06/05/2026

We're celebrating our 40th anniversary this year by sharing 40 stories of impact on local health care. One of those stories looks back to 2018, when a major upgrade at Aberdeen Hospital gave our community access to the latest technological advancements in surgical services close to home.

That spring, the hospital opened its new Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Suite, a project made possible through a shared investment by the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary and the Aberdeen Health Foundation. The upgrade brought new surgical tools, better visualization for surgeons, and a safer, more efficient workspace for the entire perioperative team.

For patients, smaller incisions mean less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. As Dr. Chakshu Sahi explained at the time, “Research shows that pain scores for patients are much better for laparoscopic surgery. Patients can return to work sooner and get back to their lives.”

The suite also supported recruitment and retention of physicians by providing an environment where surgeons can continue to advance their skills. “To be able to practice in an environment that enables development is key,” said Dr. Sahi. “I came because the Aberdeen Hospital had tools that will allow me to continue to grow.”

Teams across Nova Scotia Health helped design and plan the new space, but it was community support that moved the idea from concept to reality. As Aberdeen Health Foundation Executive Director Michelle Ferris said at the time, “The MIS Suite is a shining example of what’s possible when we work together.”

Read the full story: https://aberdeenhealthfoundation.ca/news/mis/

06/04/2026

Help Shape Social Prescribing in Nova Scotia!

News: We are currently designing a social prescribing approach for Nova Scotia Primary Care with a range of Nova Scotian healthcare organizations, community organizations, and community members. Social prescribing (SP) is the prescription of community and social services to address social determinants of health (SDH) challenges. It is a model that enables healthcare providers and social service professionals with non-clinical supports that improve overall well-being.
We have gathered information from a range of community partners and community members and have designed a draft of a potential model for a social prescribing approach for Nova Scotia Primary Care. We want to know what you think about this model, and would like to invite you to one of our co-design engagement retreats taking place across Nova Scotia:

June 5 from 2 - 4:30pm: Pictou-Antigonish Regional Friends of the Antigonish Library - FOAL

These events either in-person or virtually (each event is the same content so please attend one event only).
At each event, we will go over the model that has been designed, provide time to discuss it together, and will invite you to complete an online survey to give your opinion. Please note that if you are attending the event, you do not need to participate in the feasibility survey if you do not want to. If you do participate in the survey, you will receive $50. To participate, you must be based in Nova Scotia, be at least 18 years of age or older, and be able to consent for yourself.

If you are interested in attending an event, please let us know by filling out this virtual form: https://forms.office.com/r/0Mzsm7HpUb or by sending an email to [email protected].
Thank you,
Ellen
Ellen McGarity-Shipley, PhD, MScPT (she/her)
Assistant Professor
Lead and Founder | Outside In Lab
Associate Scientist | Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit
FACULTY OF HEALTH | School of Physiotherapy
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY See less

06/04/2026

Great leadership, Nurse Jackie 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Registered nurse Jackie Pratt created the Aberdeen Family Tree, an in person peer support program designed just for nurses in their first year of practice.

Supported by a $5,000 Nova Scotia Health nurse‑led innovation grant, the program focuses on retention, emotional well‑being, confidence and community.

Pratt believes the program, if made permanent, could be a new way of attracting and retaining nurses at Nova Scotia Health.

“I want this generation to learn that you can be an excellent nurse without over extending yourself.”

Read full story here: https://www.nshealth.ca/news-and-notices/nurse-peer-support-program-focuses-recruitment-and-retention



📸 Photo of Jackie Pratt, a registered nurse in Pictou County.

06/04/2026

Join us this weekend for the Aberdeen Hospital Social Committee Yard Sale!

📅 Saturday, June 6th
🕘 9 a.m. to Noon
📍 Aberdeen Hospital public parking lot
🎟️ Free admission

The sale will feature toys, clothing, books, sports equipment, antiques, cookware, jewelry and much more.

Proceeds from the yard sale will support future staff appreciation and social initiatives. (Rain date will be Saturday, June 13th)

06/03/2026

A massive transformation in youth services is on its way to Pictou County.

📢 Exciting News for Pictou County and Area!

We are thrilled to announce that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County has secured a location for the future Anchor Youth Space at the Aberdeen Business Centre in New Glasgow! 🎉

This is a major milestone as we move from planning into implementation of an Integrated Youth Services hub that will support youth ages 12–25 and their caregivers through a coordinated network of services and community partnerships.

Anchor Youth Space will bring together a range of supports including mental health and wellness services, peer support, housing navigation, employment assistance, and other youth centered resources in one welcoming and accessible location.

This achievement reflects the incredible collaboration of our many partners, including IWK Health Nova Scotia Government IWK Foundation YMCA of Pictou County The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia Pictou County Community Health Centre Aberdeen Health Foundation
youth and caregiver advisors, community organizations, and stakeholders who have helped bring this vision to life.

While there is still much work ahead, including renovations, space planning, and service integration, we are excited to continue building a space where young people feel welcomed, supported, and connected.

Pictured in photo: Margie Grant-Walsh, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County, Sara Spears, Manager, Anchor Youth Space Pictou County.

📄 See the link below for the full press release and additional details.

https://pictoucounty.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/latest-news/

Together, we are creating something transformational for the youth of our community. 💙

06/03/2026

Please join us for the unveiling of the Echoes of Healing Commemorative Garden

On June 8th, community members, alumni, staff and supporters are invited to attend the unveiling of the Echoes of Healing Commemorative Garden and its central art installation and military marker at Aberdeen Hospital.

Developed by the Aberdeen Hospital Archives Society, with support from the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary, Nursing History Nova Scotia, alumni and donors including Aberdeen Health Foundation, the garden recognizes the 98-year legacy of the Aberdeen Hospital Schools of Nursing, Radiology and Laboratory Technology.

Located on the former site of the nursing school, the garden honours generations of graduates who helped shape health care in Pictou County while creating a welcoming outdoor space for patients, families, staff and visitors.

📍 Aberdeen Hospital Cafeteria, New Glasgow
📅 Monday, June 8th 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m.

Established in 1897, the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing trained generations of health care professionals before closing in 1995. The new garden and memorial help preserve that history and recognize the contributions of the school's graduates, including those who served in the military. We hope you'll join us for this special occasion!

Photo: Circa 1938, nurses relaxing in the garden at the old Aberdeen Hospital

06/03/2026

Aberdeen Health Foundation is back from 2 days of meetings with the Health Care Foundations of Nova Scotia and feeling energized. We networked, shared best practices, connected with our partners at Nova Scotia Health and learned more about important technological changes that are impacting health care and health care philanthropy, like OPOR (One Patient One Record), Artificial Intelligence, and the role of clinical research in patient care. It was a great couple days.

Pictured here is the newly elected Executive, L-R: Lisa MacDonald, Chair (Aberdeen Health Foundation Past Chair), Paula MacNeil, Past Chair (Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation CEO), Dianna MacDonald, Vice Chair (QEII Foundation Events & Partnerships Director), Amy Carver, Secretary (St Martha's Regional Hospital Foundation Executive Director) and Steve Houle, Treasurer (Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation VP Finance).

Health Care Foundations of Nova Scotia is made up of 42 health care charities from right across the province.

06/02/2026

📣👩‍⚕️ Join us on Monday, June 8th for a Nurse Practitioner Clinic with the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team (NZMHWT) !!
Walk-ins only between 12PM and 2PM.
PLEASE NOTE: There are appointments previously scheduled by the Nurse Practitioner between 10-12, that may delay visits with the NP. We will have other care options available as well.

Reminder to bring your health card and any list of medications.

See you then!😊

06/01/2026

The Aberdeen Health Foundation was proud to provide $1.2M in funding for this critical program expansion.

05/28/2026

Another great Healthy Libraries, Healthy Communities program.

Calling all families - join us at the Library for the Jitney Jamboree!

Join us for the kickoff of the Jitney Juniors Stroller Club on Thursday, June 4th at 10:00 AM!

Grab your stroller and meet us on the back patio of the library every Thursday for a casual 30-minute walk along the waterfront. After the walk, head back to the Rainbow Room for our “Jamboree” featuring stories and plenty of playtime for the little ones.

We can’t wait to stroll, play, and connect with you and your juniors!