Knowledge
The Evolution of Public Health Mobile Units in Nova Scotia
The Public Health Mobile Units were launched in December 2020, as a nimble part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Whether operating from specially equipped vans or community clinics, these interdisciplinary healthcare teams are continuously learning and adapting to meet the needs of Nova Scotians, particularly those from underserved communities. There are several ways that the team generates knowledge to drive service and quality improvement including end-of-shift reports, client surveys, and ongoing feedback. An evaluation and engagement process helped inform the evolution of this public health program. In this session, Holly Gillis and Louise Hanavan will share how engagement is informing the role of Public Health Mobile Units after the pandemic—and some tips for engaging interested parties in health service improvement.
Learn more and find a Public Health Mobile Unit near you.
Learn more about the evaluation and engagement work Public Health Mobile Unit | Engage4Health
Meet our speakers
Holly Gillis
Director, Public Health Mobile Units, Nova Scotia Health
Holly joined Public Health in 2007 as a Health Promoter after working for the Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia Division and South Shore Community Services Association. Over her time with Nova Scotia Health, she has had a progressive leadership path across many roles including Project Manager Innovation and Transformation, School Health Manager, Operations Coordinator, Healthy Communities Manager. Since August 2020, she has been working with the Public Health Mobile Unit. Holly grew up in rural Nova Scotia and graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Holly has also completed diplomas in Adult Education and Project Management. Holly is a passionate community advocate for creating change. Holly volunteers with Parents of Multiple Birth Association (POMBA), IWK as a Patient & Family Advisor and Ringette Nova Scotia. She lives in Dartmouth with her husband, twin teenage daughters and dog Phineas.
Louise Hanavan
Public Engagement Advisor, Nova Scotia Health
Louise Hanavan is a Public Engagement Advisor for Nova Scotia Health, where she supports staff in bringing the public into the organization’s planning and decision making. As a person of European ancestry, she lives with family and friends on a farm in Sikunme’katik (Gaspereau) thanks to the benefits and responsibilities established by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship.