Our Organization
Who we are
Healthy Pictou County is a grassroots initiative supporting the attraction and retention of medical staff and learners to Pictou County.
Healthy Pictou County stemmed from the Citizens for a Healthy Pictou County, a volunteer board who formed over 15 years ago in response to a variety of community needs including fundraising for enhancements to our local high schools, and notably, the fundraising effort for the redevelopment of the Aberdeen Emergency Room and the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
Healthy Pictou County formalized in 2018, in response to the local medical staff asking the community for support to anticipated retirements and the physician shortage. Healthy Pictou County’s governance stems from regular meetings and direction from the physician-led Recruitment and Retention Committee, which has members from the community and Nova Scotia Health providing collaboration and support for our efforts.
Since it was established in 2018 we’ve built a collaborative and positive working relationship with Nova Scotia Health, earning strong support from across the province.
Our grassroots approach continues to bring people together around a shared goal:
Building a healthier future for Pictou County.
How we help
We are here to help you and your family ensure that our healthcare facilities and community are the right fit for you as you consider practicing and living in Pictou County.
We provide support not only as you explore Pictou County as your prospective home, but also in the transition to your new community, and for you and your family’s ongoing needs. Ranging from services to help you find a home, childcare, exploring our amenities, or simply to help you make the connections you need – we are one phone call away as you explore and call Pictou County home.
What we do
Healthy Pictou County acts as a bridge between healthcare professionals and the community.
Recruitment and relocation support for physicians and healthcare staff
Assistance for medical learners and residents
Access to resources that promote professional growth and wellbeing
Collaboration with local organizations and foundations to enhance healthcare services
Our Partners
Our success depends on strong partnerships with local, provincial, and educational organizations. We are grateful for the financial contributions of ou core funding partners including: The Aberdeen Health Foundation, the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Foundation, our six municipal units, local businesses and our Aberdeen Medical Staff. We are also fortunate for project funding from a variety of partners including Doctors Nova Scotia and the Office of Healthcare professionals. In 2024, we proudly announced a transformative commitment from The Sobey Foundation, helping us to build capacity to enhance our work in attracting and retaining physicians, other healthcare workers, and medical students. Read more HERE.
We also work closely with Nova Scotia Health, Dalhousie University, regulatory bodies, and members of the community who are deeply passionate and committed to supporting our efforts and shared success.
Our Foundations
In Pictou County, we are fortunate to have support from two very important institutions: The Aberdeen Health Foundation, and the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Foundation. Both foundations provide generous support to health care programs annually and have financially contributed to Healthy Pictou County’s efforts to attract and retain medical professionals and learners to the county.
Aberdeen Health Foundation
The Aberdeen Health Foundation was established in 1986 to support enhanced medical equipment and education for staff at the Aberdeen Hospital. While this remains the central focus, the Foundation has expanded its funding priorities in recent years to include mental health and community-based initiatives that promote population health.
The Aberdeen Health Foundation has invested just under $30 million to enhance health care in Pictou County since its inception. The organization’s $1-1.5 million annual investment is funded primarily through income generated by endowed funds. The Foundation is dedicated to directing resources to opportunities most likely to have a positive, long-term impact on the health of our community.
Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Foundation
The Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Foundation (SHMHF) was established in 1993, with its main focus and emphasis being to support the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital (SHMH). Generally, one half of the foundation’s yearly funds are designated to SHMH requests such as providing Wi-Fi to the Restorative Care Unit, offering to help with retention and expansion of the dialysis unit, and purchasing new, key equipment for the physiotherapy department.
The SHMHF has provided financial assistance to the Bright Smiles dental project, and assisted with a wheelchair lift and hearing loop system at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre, among many other projects. The Foundation also supports students at Pictou Academy and Northumberland Regional High School who are entering health-related fields in university with a bursary/grant program.