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It has been a very difficult couple of weeks. First, the news of a mass grave found at the site of the Kamloops residential school and renewed calls to finally respond to all of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. And in the midst of this grieving, the shattering situation in London, ON where four members of a Muslim family of five walking together were killed in a terrorist attack. It is a fragile time and one where kindness, understanding, and listening count; and where actions matter.
Some good news, though, is that our new cases today are in the single digits for the first time since April 9th. Sadly, we also reported another death. Your perseverance is paying off but we need to remain vigilant as the reopening continues.
You can build regular testing into your schedule! I have been getting a rapid test at the Alderney Gate Library approximately once a week and you can too. Testing locations are listed here: www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately. The Delta variant is here in the province, though the two cases are in quarantine and so far no further Delta cases have been discovered. However, testing among Nova Scotians has gone down. Delta, like all variants of concern, is more infectious—even after one dose of vaccine—so if they make their way into our community, we need to catch them quickly.
School
As children have returned to school emotions have been on high. Some are thrilled (parents and children), others are concerned, and a bunch are just over it all. We have had some school closures already, and I know there is a lot of concern about how the rest of the year will go. The messaging from Public Health is that as COVID-19 cases decrease in the community, schools become safer. Hopefully with single digits today the trend will continue to improve.
A huge thank you to students, teachers, and families for all you have done this year. There and back again everyone has pitched in to make it work!
For graduates its been an unprecedented year, and I’m sure the small celebrations that can happen in phase 2 and 3 will be joyous occasions.
Vaccines
Nova Scotians will have more options when it comes to receiving their second dose:
- anyone who has received a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna can now choose a second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna. According to Public Health, these two vaccines are now considered interchangeable, so it’s fine to mix.
- anyone who has received a first dose of AstraZeneca can now receive a second dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna. Dr. Strang has recommended a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna as the science has shown this provides better protection than two doses of AstraZeneca.
The second doses for all Nova Scotians who have been vaccinated will be administered earlier than planned based on the increased expected supply. You should receive an email offering you a chance to reschedule if you have had the first dose. Rescheduling will roll out based on age, just like the first dose. The exception is if you received AstraZeneca. In this case, you will be offered a new appointment outside of a 10 week interval, which is based on the latest research into recommended vaccine intervals.
ARE YOU 20-35? HAVE YOU GOTTEN YOUR FIRST DOSE? So far this is the slowest age group to get those first shots. The good news is, there are lots of appointments available across the province, often same day! The bad news is that the longer it takes to reach 85% vaccinated the longer it will take for us to get back to doing so many of the things we love. So please, get that vaccine! BOOK HERE and share a selfie if you want! You can tag me and use the hashtag #IDidItForDartmouth.
Last, please visit some local businesses this week! Retail shops like Room 152 and Trainyard General Store are open. Coffee at TIBS or NSYE or Good Luck, lunch on the patio at Millstone Public House or Celtic Corner, a spot among the flower boxes at The Canteen, a weekend date at Lake City or Brightwood, or the Wooden Monkey, or the beer garden at Alderney Landing. The Alderney Landing vendors we love like Port City and Noggins and Evans are open, and the market reopens this weekend! And that’s the tip of the iceberg. So show our community some extra love as we get back on our collective feet. You won't be sorry! |
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Kamloops
The terrible discovery in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory is an awful reminder of the colonial atrocities inflicted upon First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The conversations have been had, but the calls to action are still waiting. Its time. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
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The Halifax Chamber created this handy graphic illustrating Nova Scotia's reopening plan. Download the PDF.
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The Nova Scotia Government's Department of Environment and Climate Change has partnered with Dartmouth's Clean Foundation to engage the public around the Sustainable Development Goals Act. Visit cleanfuture.ca and have your say about what should be considered as a new goal under the Sustainable Development Goals Act and what should be included in the new Climate Plan for Clean Growth.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ADT on July 26, 2021.
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Red Bear Connects offers free, confidential voicemail for people facing poverty and homelessness in Nova Scotia. Voicemail messages can be accessed by phone or email with no charges.
Call 902-448-4744 or 211 to register.
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A very well-deserved congratulations to Doug Townsend for the awesome community work The Canteen has done through this difficult time. Here received an Aurum Award from Dalhousie University at the end of last month. Dartmouth is lucky to have Doug and Renée.
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Last week Gloria McCluskey celebrated her 90th birthday. She is an undeniable Dartmouth legend who served in municipal politics for over 22 years and is still a deeply committed member and champion of the Dartmouth community.
Happy birthday, Gloria!
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Calling all dancers, visual artists, filmmakers, writers, theatre performers, craft artists, musicians, and all other creative workers living in this province.
Visual Arts Nova Scotia has launched the Artists in Mind survey to better understand the mental health experiences of artists. The information gathered in this survey will inform a report to the provincial government outlining the mental health care needs of artists. Take the survey.
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The Public Good Society of Dartmouth is accepting proposals for a team or an individual Affordable Housing Development Navigator. They are launching an initiative that was conceived at the BtB Affordable Housing Social Innovation Lab in 2019. Proposals being accepted for an Affordable Housing Development Navigator team or individual. Note: RFP deadline is June 25th.
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Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Crisis support for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis by phone 24/7 anywhere in Nova Scotia and a Mobile Response from 1 pm to 1 am to most communities in HRM.
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868
Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, we’re here to listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7. Live Chat is open daily from 8 pm to 1 am AT. They will be accepting new chats until 12:15 am AT only, in order to help ensure that all conversations are responded to by 1 am.
NSHA & IWK Mental Health and Addictions Intake Line
1-855-922-1122
For help with a mental health or addiction concern, the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions team is available to take your call Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Morneau Shepell
1-844-751-2133
24/7 national crisis support line that is available to anyone in need of emotional support. By calling the crisis line, individuals will receive crisis counselling support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone, client or not.
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (Indigenous Nova Scotians only)
902-379-2099 or 1-855-379-2099 (toll-free) or Facebook: @EskasoniCrisisWorker
Culturally appropriate, community-based, and community-led mental health and addiction services available 24/7 by phone or via Facebook. Crisis intervention and referral services, central intake, ASIST/Safe Talk/Mental Health First Aid.
Pause: Mental Health Walk-In Clinic (ANS only)
1-800-598-5270 (toll-free)
A mental health drop-in program where community members can access a 45 minutes counselling session on a first-come-first-served basis. Currently only operating via telephone due to restrictions around COVID-19. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5 pm – 8 pm. Call at any time, leave your name and a call back number and the coordinator will reach out to you with an appointment time. You do not need a health card or a mental health diagnosis. You do not need to be a patient of the NECHC.
Association of Black Social Workers (ANS only)
1-855-732-1253 (toll-free) or email nsabswcovid19@gmail.com
Providing support to members of the African Nova Scotian community by phone and email Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. For after-hours calls, please allow up to 12 hours for a callback.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is available for adults who are going through a difficult time and need someone to text with. This service is free and available 24/7. Special support is available for frontline workers.
Text NSSTRONG to 741741
Frontline workers: text FRONTLINE to 741741
Good2Talk Nova Scotia
Good2Talk Nova Scotia provides support for university and college students.
Call toll-free: 1-833-292-3698 or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868
Healthy Minds Cooperative
902 404-3504 ext. 201
The HMC patient navigator, Brad, can help connect you with the appropriate support services within your community. Services in the community: support groups, programs and workshops, referral services, self-advocacy, web-based resources
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COVID-19 Information
How and Where to get a COVID-19 Test
Primary Testing Sites. For symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. Book online or call 811. Dartmouth locations are Burnside/Dartmouth Crossing, by the Dartmouth General Hospital, and the Zatazman Sportsplex.
Public Health Mobile Units. Pre-book your appointment at the mobile unit online, call 811. Click here for mobile unit locations.
Pop-Up Rapid Testing. Asymptomatic testing. No appointment is necessary. This option is for you if you are over 16 and have no symptoms or exposures.
Click here for rapid testing locations.
Domestic Violence
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
Further Resources
2-1-1 is a 24/7 connection to programs and services in Nova Scotia. Call 211 or visit online.
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