New Program to Attract, Retain Healthcare Workers in West Hants
Groups across the province are receiving funding from the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund to attract and retain healthcare workers such as licensed practical nurses. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
A community initiative in West Hants to promote and share compelling stories aims to attract more healthcare workers to the area.
The Hants Shore Health Association will receive $51,291 from the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund to deliver new marketing photography, videos, a website and printed materials, and engagement and networking events that showcase the lifestyle benefits of working in the region.
“Exposing potential healthcare workers to this community and being thoughtful about how we share our stories here will make a big impact,” said Melissa Sheehy-Richard, MLA for Hants West, on behalf of Michelle Thompson, Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment. “Our local volunteers and leaders know best how to present the best of our area in a way that healthcare workers will find attractive. This funding allows them to take the lead and influence change for their community.”
In total, 30 organizations across the province will receive support through the OHPR Community Fund this year. More details will be announced soon.
The fund, established in 2022, is an action item in Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare. It supports community healthcare recruitment and retention initiatives organized by local non-profit organizations, charitable community groups, cultural organizations, member-based organizations and boards, municipalities and chambers of commerce.
Quotes:
“We want to engage the community to create materials and a motivating website that inspires healthcare workers to see themselves working happily here on the Hants Shore. This funding allows us to demonstrate that anyone providing family medicine will be supported by our residents.”
— Rupert Jannasch, Chair, Hants Shore Health Association
Quick Facts:
- the OHPR Community Fund supported 28 community-led recruitment and retention initiatives in 2022-23, investing more than $1.5 million into a range of projects, including healthcare worker recognition events, online support tools, marketing videos and even a community garden
Additional Resources:
OHPR Community Fund news releases: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=287
Fund guidelines and details are available at: https://novascotia.ca/ohpr-community-fund
Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
Mandate letter for the Minister of Health and Wellness and Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf