The common theme is that there's little representation of Black Canadians in health settings, and it's important for patients to see themselves reflected in the health system. Recently a Black female client shared that she felt much more comfortable having a Black health coach because there wasn't a need to explain her mistrust of the health-care system. Charisma Grace is a former health coach with the Matter of Black Health Project. The Matter of Black Health (MBH) pilot project, which launched in May 2017, took a different approach and provided an excellent blueprint for culturally specific programming aimed at preventing chronic disease while supporting Black Nova Scotians. The necessary policy, research, training and programming required to reduce rates of diabetes among Black Canadians should include Black leadership.

Source: CBC News August 10, 2020 07:52 UTC