Mental health care for Black people in rural N.S. lacking year after Desmond report
The lack of mental health care tailored to rural Black Nova Scotians remains a pressing issue more than a year after the inquiry report into the Lionel Desmond tragedy recommended reforms. Desmond, a former infantryman with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, tragically took his own life on January 3, 2017, after killing his wife, their daughter, and his mother.
The fatality inquiry into the deaths highlighted the challenges faced by rural African Nova Scotians like Desmond when attempting to access mental health services. Recommendations included providing more virtual care to rural Black communities and hiring more Black mental health workers to offer culturally informed care. However, social worker Lana MacLean expressed concerns that the virtual care being provided does not adequately address the unique needs of African Nova Scotians in rural areas.
Transparency around the progress on the recommendations has also been lacking, according to lawyer Adam Rodgers, who represented Desmond’s estate and family members during the inquiry. He emphasized the importance of transparency in ensuring that the findings aimed at improving supports for individuals like Desmond are not forgotten over time.
One of the key recommendations was to expand a pilot project providing short-term medication, support, and diagnosis to reduce wait times for psychiatric care. While the province has acknowledged ongoing discussions about expanding the program, there is a need for more concrete action to address the long wait times for mental health services.
Recruiting Black mental health providers was another recommendation, with the IWK receiving funding for a program tailored to African Nova Scotian youth and caregivers. However, there is still a gap in services for adults, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support across all age groups.
The inquiry also called for a review of protocols for handling individuals at high risk of domestic violence, as well as training health workers on the latest suicide risk assessment tools. While some recommendations have been fulfilled, there is a need for continued efforts to address the systemic issues that contributed to the Desmond tragedy.
Overall, there is a pressing need for the province to prioritize the mental health needs of rural Black Nova Scotians and ensure that the recommendations from the inquiry report are fully implemented. Transparency, accountability, and culturally informed care are essential elements in addressing the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities.
