Improving Access to Healthcare
Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program Expands
All Nova Scotians living with Type 1 diabetes can now apply for funding to cover the cost of an insulin pump and supplies.
The Province has removed the age cap on the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program. Previously, only people younger than 26 were eligible.
In February, the Province committed to expanding the program by removing the age cap. More information about the program, eligibility and how to apply is available at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-insulin-pump-and-supplies-insulin-pump-program
New Clinical Psychology Residency Program
The Province is adding more training for mental health and addictions professionals at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
A new clinical psychology residency program – a first for the university – is set to begin in the fall of 2025, funded by the Office of Addictions and Mental Health.
The new 12-month program offers a total of four new residency seats that will be split between the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health and the university’s Student Health and Wellness Centre.
Last September, the Province celebrated the opening of the Centre for Psychological Health, which serves Nova Scotians who face barriers to accessing mental health services. In addition to the residency spots, the Province’s commitment to student training and recruitment includes providing $350,000 in bursaries to about 35 students completing practicums at the clinic over three years. The investment is part of the government’s commitment to universal mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians.
YourHealthNS to Include X-ray Reports
Nova Scotians will soon be able to access more information about their X-ray results through the YourHealthNS app.
X-ray reports completed July 15 and onward will be available through the app 14 days later. The report includes findings from the X-ray, a comparison with any previous X-rays, the patient’s history and a summary.
X-ray reports will add to the information – date, time and location of the scan, body part scanned and the provider who requested the X-ray – currently available through the app. Images will not be available.
Earlier this month, the Province expanded access to electronic health records to people provincewide with a valid Nova Scotia health card who are 16 and older.
Providing Nova Scotians access to their electronic health records to better manage their healthcare is part of a larger digital health transformation that includes YourHealthNS, virtual care, e-referrals, the Care Coordination Centre, the Oncology Transformation Project and the One Person One Record clinical information system.
Local Healthcare Access Points
Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic +
The Pharmacist Plus Clinics are another way we're improving access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians.
The Truro Lawton's Pharmacist Plus Clinic is a walk-in clinic that has a nurse practitioner and pharmacists working as a team to provide a variety of health care services, from primary care to chronic disease prevention and management.
Services include:
Diagnosing and treating routine and more immediate health concerns
Prescribing medications and prescriptions renewals
Medication management or modifications
Chronic disease management
Health screening and preventative care
Ordering and interpreting tests
Vaccinations and injections
Making referrals to specialists and other health care providers
Lawton’s Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic + 316 Willow Street, Suite 20 902-896-0987
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Tuesday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Thursday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic
Pharmacist-led clinics provide an extended suite of pharmacy primary care services at no charge to people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
These services include assessment and prescribing for:
Strep Throat
Pink Eye
UTIs
Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Asthma, COPD)
Prescription renewals for all medications and more
Publicly funded vaccines for adults and children are also available at these clinics as well as medical injections.
The Medicine Shoppe Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic 1B-664 Prince Street 902-814-2679
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Tuesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Thursday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Saturday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
Sunday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
YourHealthNS App
YourHealthNS is a new app to help you to navigate health information, book services and discover care options, easier and faster than ever before, right from your phone or computer.
YourHealthNS is available to Nova Scotians now, however, this is only the first release of the app and we will continue to add new features, functionalities, programs and more over the coming months.
In version 1.0 of the secure YourHealthNS app, you can:
Get free same-day care in a virtual appointment with a healthcare professional
Book blood tests, X-rays, flu shots and vaccines
Locate services and see wait times
Access information and resources on healthy living and wellness
Chat with a care navigator to identify the best services and most reliable information
More innovations, enhancements, tools and services are being added regularly. Keep checking back for updates on the app.
July in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
Critical Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness Upgrades for Truro, Bible Hill
Critical infrastructure and emergency management projects in Truro and Bible Hill will help sustain the communities, support residents and create the conditions for future growth.
In Truro, a high-priority repair to the Lepper Brook dam and reservoir, including the spillway chute structure, is underway. This project will help prevent dam failure, maintain water service without interruption to 4,500 households and allow for future growth. The total cost is $1.39 million, shared between the Town of Truro and the Province.
The Village of Bible Hill is getting a new, bigger diesel generator to replace the one currently used for emergency backup power. The new generator will service two critical locations – the H. Douglas Boyce Village Hall and the village office. This will allow the hall to continue to be used as a comfort centre during emergencies and the office to serve as a resource to the regional emergency management office. The total cost of this project is $249,761 and is cost-shared between the village and Province.
Work on the projects began this spring. The provincial funding is through the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a one-time $102-million investment in projects across Nova Scotia – a historic provincial investment in municipal infrastructure.
I also had the pleasure to announce provincial grants that will provide support to community organizations, municipalities and facilities in Truro and Colchester.
Grant recipients in our community include:
Town of Truro (TAAC Revitalization Project)– $150,000
STEPs on Arthur– $50,000
Municipality of Colchester– over $47,000
Cobequid Society for Athletic Excellence – over $33,000
The Lotus Centre– over $9,000
Truro Development Corporation (Downtown Truro) – over $300
For more information on these funding announcements, visit: Funding to Improve Community Infrastructure in Truro Region | Government of Nova Scotia News Releases
Tim Hortons Camp Day 2024
July 17 was Camp Day at Tim Hortons and I had the opportunity to work with fantastic team in the drive thru at the Tim’s in Millbrook!
Every Camp Day, 100% of the proceeds from all hot and iced coffee sales at Tim's restaurants are donated to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps to help underserved youth reach their full potential.
Canada Parks' Day Guided Hike
July 20 was Canada Parks Day. My wife Amber and I joined an energetic group in a guided hike into Victoria Park from Seek Wilderness Accommodations to celebrate the occasion.
A big thank you to Miriah for organizing and leading the group on a beautiful hike throughout the park!
Atlantic Women's Driver Challenge at the Truro Raceway
On July 21, the Truro Raceway hosted the Achieve Financial Atlantic Women's Driver Challenge featuring top female drivers from across the Maritimes and Ontario, family friendly entertainment, a silent auction and Warmth by Design's popular Weiner Dog Championship race!
Thanks to everyone who came out to support this great event.
Community Scholarships
I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet with this year's recipients of the MLA Community Leadership Award, William (Will) Hazelton and the Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River PC Association Award recipient Rylan Gray, joined by our association president Glen Rankin.
Congratulations and best wishes to Rylan who is heading to Acadia University in Wolfville to study Kinesiology and William will be attending Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, to study Psychology. Best of luck to you both!
Nova Scotia Loyal Official Launch
On July 23, Nova Scotia Loyal was officially launched at the Sobey's on Robie Street in Truro.
Nova Scotia Loyal was a campaign commitment for a program that will share the stories of the growers, harvesters, crafters and manufacturers behind local products and create demand allowing local businesses to thrive!
Three pillars of Nova Scotia Loyal includes:
A partnership with Sobeys that shows off local products while offering a Nova Scotia Loyal Week once a month, where Scene+ points are offered on local products
A second partnership with NSLC that offers bonus Air Miles rewards to customers buying eligible local alcohol products during promotional periods beginning on September 30th
A new government procurement policy ensuring that local businesses get a 10% advantage when they are competing for government contracts
More information on Nova Scotia Loyal can be found here: https://nsloyal.ca/
Door Knocking
Speaking directly with residents on their doorsteps about the issues that matter most is one of my favorite aspects of being your MLA. I strongly believe that continual door knocking is key to staying connected with our community, ensuring voices are heard and concerns are addressed. Let's keep these conversations going!
Thank you to all residents who took the time to speak with me in Bible Hill.
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
Now Open! Applications are now officially open for the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors. If you or someone you know is eligible, be sure to take advantage.The rebate amount is based on your municipal residential property taxes.
The program provides eligible homeowners with a rebate of 50% of the municipal residential property taxes they paid for the 2023 tax year, up to a maximum of $800.
Apply here: Apply for a property tax rebate: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors - Government of Nova Scotia
Please Slow Down Signs
Road safety and the safety of children at play are concerns that I hear about from constituents of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.
If you would like to have one of ‘Please Slow Down’ signs, contact our office via email mlaritcey@bellaliant.com or call us at 902-897-0884.
Please note that the Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River constituency office will be closed from Monday, July 29th through Tuesday, August 6th to allow for staff vacations. Emails and voicemails will be monitored during this time and we will get back to you in a timely matter upon return.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you know of anyone who would be interested in receiving future editions of this monthly newsletter, please contact the constituency office at mlaritcey@bellaliant.com, 902-897-0884, or visit my website at www.daveritcey.ca to view this newsletter and more!
Sincerely,
MLA Dave Ritcey
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River