Department of Seniors
Nova Scotia Life

Democracy 250

Health-Related Organizations



Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia

The Foundation serves children, teens, and adults with physical disabilities in Nova Scotia. Programs include information, disability travel card, assistive device support, wheelchair recycling program, job skills training, and fully accessible summer camp. There is also a Polio Nova Scotia support program.

For more information, contact:

Faye Joudrey, Coordinator
Community and Client Services
3670 Kempt Road
Halifax, NS B3K 4X8
Phone: (902) 453-600, ext. 226
E-mail: admin@abilitiesfoundation.ns.ca
Website: www.abilitiesfoundation.ns.ca

ALS Society of Canada

This voluntary organization is committed to supporting research towards a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and to supporting ALS partners in the provision of quality of care for persons affected by ALS.

For more information, contact:

ALS Society of Nova Scotia
3433 Dutch Village Road, Unit #3
Halifax, NS B3N 2S7
Phone: (902) 454-3636
Toll-free: 1-866-625-7257
E-Mail: info@alsns.ca
Website: www.als.ca

Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia

The Society is committed to alleviating the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It promotes best practices in treatment and care and supports the search for the causes and cures. Services include:

InfoLine (1-800-611-6345) - Trained individuals provide information, support and referral services to callers from across the province.

Caregiver Support Groups - These groups provide a time and place for caring, sharing, education and support for those caring for someone with dementia.

Education Services - Responds to requests province-wide for presentations and displays, general information and specific training on topics such as the Safely Home Alzheimer Wandering Registry. Hosts an annual conference to educate professional care providers.

Resource Centre Provides specialized videos, books, pamphlets and fact sheets on all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

For more information, contact:

6009 Quinpool Road, Suite 300
Halifax, NS B3K 5J7
Phone: (902) 422-7961
Toll-free: 1-800-611-6345
E-mail: info@alzheimer.ns.ca
Website: www.alzheimer.ns.ca

Arthritis Society

The Society offers a variety of arthritis education, information, and support programs to help people better manage and live with arthritis.

Arthritis Registry: To join this free service, call the Arthritis Information Line at 1-800-321-1433 and receive useful information on the arthritis treatments, medications, programs, and services available in your area.

For more information contact:

Nova Scotia Division, West End Mall
6960 Mumford Road, Suite S-13
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
Phone: (902) 429-7025
Toll-free: 1-800-321-1433
E-mail: info@ns.arthritis.ca
Website: www.arthritis.ca/novascotia

Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS)

The association strives to meet the lifelong needs of people with acquired brain injury caused by traumatic brain injury or by internal causes such as strokes, tumours, aneurysms, oxygen deprivation or illness.

For more information, contact:

PO Box 8804
Halifax, NS B3K 5M4
Phone: (902) 473-7301
E-mail: bians1@ns.sympatico.ca
Website: www3.ns.sympatico.ca/bians1/

Canadian Cancer Society

This volunteer-based organization funds cancer research and provides support, through programs and services, for those affected by cancer. To learn more, call toll-free 1-800-639-0222 or visit www.cancer.ca.

Cancer Information Service

The society offers a toll-free information service staffed by caring, knowledgeable, personnel who provide information on all aspects of cancer. Call: 1-888-939-3333

Smokers’ Helpline

This toll-free, telephone-based, information and support service is for smokers and people who care about them. Trained personnel answer questions about quitting and help callers develop a "quit plan" that will work for them.
Call: 1-877-513-5333

Cancer Connection

This toll-free, telephone-based, one-on-one peer support program connects people living with cancer to people who provide support based on similar cancer experience. Call: 1-800-263-6750

For more information, contact:

Canadian Cancer Society
Nova Scotia Division
5826 South Street, Suite 1
Halifax, NS B3H 1S6
Phone: 423-6183
Toll-free: 1-800-639-0222
E-mail: ccs.ns@ns.cancer.ca
Website: www.cancer.ca

Canadian Celiac Association

This national organization is dedicated to providing services and support to persons with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis through programs of awareness, advocacy, education and research.

For more information contact:

Ernie Nickerson, President
Halifax Chapter
Suite 14, Tacoma Mall
50 Tacoma Dr., Dartmouth, NS B2W 3G6
Phone: (902) 464-9222
Website: www.celiac.ca
E-mail: celiac.halifax@ns.sympatico.ca

Canadian Diabetes Association

This association promotes the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service and advocacy. Programs and services for those 50+ include educational sessions, forums, evening and weekend seminars. Sessions are usually delivered with the aid of experts, healthcare professionals, or demonstrations.

For more information or to become a Volunteer, contact:

Nova Scotia Region
137 Chain Lake Drive, Suite 101
Halifax, NS B3S 1B3
Phone: (902) 453-4232
Toll-free: 1-800-326-7712
Website: www.diabetes.ca

Canadian Liver Foundation

The foundation provides many services for liver disease patients, their families, health care professionals, and the public.

For more information, contact:

Shayla Steeves
Regional Director, Atlanti Canada
Phone: (902) 423-8538
Toll-free: 1-866-423-8538
E-mail: ssteeves@liver.ca
Website: www.liver.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association

This voluntary association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. It accomplishes its mission through advocacy, education, research, and services.

For more information, contact:

Nova Scotia Division
Phone: (902) 466-6600
Toll-free: 1-877-466-6606
E-mail: cmhans@eastlink.ca
Website: www.novascotia.cmha.ca

Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia

The association provides support to Nova Scotians affected by epilepsy. Based in Halifax, it has Epilepsy Community Action Groups in Bridgewater, Sydney, Trenton, Yarmouth, Wolfville and Canso.

For more information, contact:

Iris Elliott, or Brian Willman,
Phone: (902) 429-2633
Toll-free: 1-866-EPILEPSY (374-5377)
E-mail: eans@ns.sympatico.ca
Website: www.epilepsyns.com

Halifax Stroke Club

The club operates as a self-help group for stroke survivors, family, and friends. It also offers support and companionship.

For more information, contact:

Carl Ings
Phone: (902) 493-3011
E-mail: cings@nwood.ns.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia

The Foundation promotes the study, prevention, and reduction of premature death and disability from heart disease and stroke. It supports research, education, and the promotion of healthy living.

For more information, contact:

7th Floor, 5161 George Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1M7
Phone: (902) 423-7530
Toll-free: 1-800-423-4432
Website: www.heartandstroke.ca

Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Foundation funds research and clinical education, provides services for the special needs of individuals living with kidney disease, advocates for access to high-quality care, and actively promotes awareness of and commitment to organ donation.

For more information, contact:

Marie Oxner, Office Administrator
Nova Scotia Branch
1657 Barrington Street, Suite 235
Halifax, NS B3J 2A1
Phone: (902) 429-9298
Toll-free: 1-800-889-5557
E-mail: info@kidney.ns.ca
Website: www.kidney.ca

Lung Association of Nova Scotia

The association works to improve lung health and fight lung disease across the province. It provides public education, research, patient services and professional education for the medical community. An information and support program is offered for those with adult breathing problems and COPD (Emphysema and Bronchitis) called Breathworks. To speak with a certified COPD education counsellor, call 1-866-717-2673.

For more information, contact:

Lewis Brill, President CEO 17 Alma Crescent Halifax, NS B3N 3E6
Phone: (902) 443-8141
Toll-free: 1-888-566-5864
E-mail: info@ns.lung.ca
Website: www.ns.lung.ca

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada

The MS Society works to find a cure for multiple sclerosis and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with MS.

For more information, contact:

Atlantic Division
71 Ilsley Avenue, Unit 12
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1L5
Phone: (902) 468-8230
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582
E-mail: info.atlantic@mssociety.ca
Website: www.mssociety.ca

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada

Programs and services provided by the Atlantic Division include the Atlantic Equipment and Mobility Program, a peer support program, education and advocacy, and individual support.

For more information, contact:

Regional Office
1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 804
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
Phone: (902) 429-6322
E-mail: infoatlantic@muscle.ca
Website: www.muscle.ca

Osteoporosis Canada

This organization is committed to providing the highest quality services, education and research to help Canadians take care of their bones.

For more information, contact:

Nova Scotia Chapter
David Keddy, Provincial Coordinator
Phone: (902) 538-0830
Toll-free: 1-800-463-6842 Ext. 405
Fax: (902) 538-0702
E-mail: novascotia@osteoporosis.ca
Website: www.osteoporosis.ca

or

Osteoporosis Canada
1090 Don Mills Rd., Suite 301
Toronto, ON M3C 3R6
Toll-free (English): 1-800-463-6842
Sans frasi (Français): 1-800-977-1778
E-mail: osc@osteoporosis.ca
Website: www.osteoporosis.ca

Parkinson Society Canada

The society is the voice of Maritimers living with Parkinson’s. Its purpose is to ease the burden of Parkinson’s and find a cure through advocacy, education, research and support services to improve quality of life for people affected by the disease.

For more information, contact:

Maritime Region
830-5991 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6
Phone: (902) 422-3656
Toll-free: 1-800-663-2468
E-mail: info@parkinsonmaritimes.ca
Website: www.parkinson.ca

Psoriasis Society of Canada

The Society’s goals are to increase awareness of psoriasis, form support groups across Canada, consult with government, assist with programs and services, and encourage research programs.

For more information, contact:

Judy Misner, President
PO Box 25015
Halifax, NS B3M 4H4
Toll-free: 1-800-656-4494
Website: www.psoriasissociety.org

Tinnitus Support Group of Atlantic Canada

The group provides educational and support services to people suffering from tinnitus. It also increases community awareness about tinnitus and hearing loss. Monthly meetings are held at the Dartmouth Senior Service Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact:

PO Box 25085
Halifax, NS B3M 4H4
Phone: (9092) 473-4366
E-mail: tinnitussupport@eastlink.ca
Website: tinnitusatlantic.tripod.com

Victorian Order of Nurses (VON)

The VON provides professional health care services to individuals and their families at home or in the community setting. Its visiting nursing, home support, and charitable programs help seniors stay independent and in charge of their own lives. Services include health assessment and teaching, rehabilitation, palliative care, bereavement follow-up, homemaking, personal care, and respite care. Charitable services include meals programs, transportation programs, volunteer visiting, and more.
Referrals are accepted from all sources. Care is provided in consultation with a physician. Service is available seven days a week. VON is supported by fees for service, donations, grants, and fundraising projects.
Fees: Based on the average cost of the visit. If you live in the areas served, you will not be refused service for financial reasons.

For more information, contact:

VON Canada, Nova Scotia
108 Cobequid Road
Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2N2
Phone: (902) 865-3346

VON Offices

Greater Halifax - (902) 453-5800

Lunenburg County - (902) 624-1897

Queens County - (902) 354-3249

Tri-County - (902) 742-4512

Cumberland County - (902) 667-8796

Colchester East Hants - (902) 893-3803

Antigonish - (902) 863-5700

Cape Breton Metro - (902) 564-6479

Pictou County - (902) 752-3184

Annapolis Valley - (902) 678-3415