Cumberland Health Care Foundation

02/04/2026

World Cancer Day, February 4, 2026, unites the global community to raise awareness, advance research, and take action in cancer prevention, treatment, and care.
2025–2027 Theme: United by Unique — because every cancer journey is different, but we are united in trying to reduce the burden of cancer.
The Cumberland Health Care Foundation operates the Cumberland Cancer Assistance Fund, which covers items such as gas cards for travel to appointments, nutritional supplements, treatment supplies, and mastectomy camisoles. The Foundation provides support to each patient as part of a unique customized plan.
If you would like to support the Cumberland Cancer Assistance Fund, go to:
https://chcfoundation.com/fund/cumberland-cancer-assistance-fund

02/02/2026

Hospital ER patient advocates and waiting room care providers improve patient experience by providing comfort, assisting with communication, and monitoring for changes in condition during long waits. Introduced to enhance care in crowded emergency departments, they offer support like providing blankets or food, acting as a bridge between patients and clinical staff. They can also assist with navigation, connecting patients with social supports or resources. Today, the patient advocate at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre is recognized for all that she does to help – and It’s her Birthday!!!!

Congratulations on winning an “I Care” Award – Melissa Alder, Health Support Aide and Patient Advocate CRHCC

02/02/2026

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Nova Scotia are registered nurses with advanced education (Master’s) who diagnose illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medications, and are often acting as primary care providers. As primary care providers they provide comprehensive care, including diagnosing, treating and managing acute and chronic illnesses. One of our local Nurse Practitioners was thanked profusely by the relative of a patient that was recently in her care.

Congratulations on winning an “I Care” Award – Shannon Proctor, Nurse Practitioner

01/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to the 2025 Light the Way Campaign. Your generosity will help us purchase much-needed equipment for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and Cumberland Mental Health—making a meaningful difference close to home.

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation is grateful for community support throughout the year. Donations help fund essential medical equipment, staff development and recruitment, and direct patient care right here in Cumberland County.

Support throughout the year also makes programs possible such as gas cards for cancer patients travelling for treatment, nutritional supplements for cancer and palliative care clients, and more. You can learn about all of our programs and funds at:
👉 https://chcfoundation.com/

For those who have asked about ongoing ways to support local health care, monthly giving is one option, and our team is always happy to help answer questions at (902) 667-5700 ext. 6210.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity in support of local health care. 💙

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation is dedicated to high standards of health care for all residents of Cumberland County by raising funds and supporting new and improved services, programs, equipment and facilities.

01/14/2026

A lot going on at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst, Nova Scotia. A new dialysis unit will be built along with an expanded Emergency Room.

A milestone moment for Cumberland County! 🎉

Last week, Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister and Antigonish MLA Michelle Thompson, joined Terri-Lynn Smith, CRHCC Site Lead and Director of Operations & Redevelopment, and Dr. Josée McBeath, Medical Site Lead, to unveil the project sign for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) redevelopment project.

This project is adding an expanded emergency department, new renal dialysis department and new power plant to the hospital— bringing important services closer to home for people in the community.

The expanded emergency department will be nearly twice the size of the current space, with its own entrance and a design focused on improving patient flow, reducing wait times, and supporting care teams. A new permanent 12-station dialysis unit will replace the current temporary five-station unit, offering more capacity and a modern care environment.

Site preparation began this summer, with construction starting in October. If you’ve been to CRHCC recently, you’ve likely noticed the progress and there’s more to come as this exciting project continues to take shape!



📸 Photo of (L-R) Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton joins Terri-Lynn Smith, CRHCC Site Lead and Director of Operations & Redevelopment, and Dr. Josée McBeath, Medical Site Lead, to unveil the project sign for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre redevelopment project.

[Nova Scotia Government, Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness]

12/10/2025

Nurses work hard at our hospitals here in Cumberland County. Their kindness, care, and support make a meaningful difference during very challenging times for patients. They offer reassurance, show patience, and provide exceptional care with genuine compassion. One of our LPNs showed dedication that did not go unnoticed.

Congratulations on winning an “I Care” Award – Jamie Reid, LPN Med-Surg Unit at CRHCC.

12/09/2025

Doctors provide exceptional care rooted in compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication. Their presence during challenging and uncertain times brings comfort, clarity, and hope when it is needed most. They not only deliver medical expertise, but also offer emotional support, reassurance, and a steady hand that guides patients through difficult moments; and their impact will always be remembered.

Congratulations on winning and “I Care Award” Dr. Iskra Marco (Physician-General Surgery at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

12/08/2025

Thank you Coldwell Banker Performance Realty for the donation during your 12 Days of Giving. By your request the amount will go into the Mental Health Fund; and that will help pay for the new Cumberland Mental Health outreach van.

If you have a business in Cumberland County and would like to help the Cumberland Health Care Foundation purchase much needed equipment for our Regional Hospital you can donate online at: www.chcfoundation.com or by calling 902-667-5400 extension 6210)

12/04/2025

Light the Way is the most important fundraising event for the Foundation’s Equipment Fund.

Throughout the month of December, you can purchase a light, wreath, snowman, or angel and dedicate it in memory or in honour of someone special.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Mental Health and Addictions Fund, helping the Foundation purchase a much-needed new outreach van for the Mental Health office. We will also set aside money for new baby bassinets for the Maternity Ward.

Your Light the Way lights and ornaments will be beautifully displayed at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC). As always, they will shine throughout the holiday season for patients, staff, and visitors to enjoy—and as a heartfelt tribute to you and your loved ones.

Thank you for being a part of Light the Way!
You can donate online by going to www.chcfoundation.com or call 902-667-5400 extension 6120

11/24/2025

Watch for your Light the Way Annual Newsletter to arrive in your mailbox with your flyers this week. This 20-page publication is filled with valuable information about how donations were used over the past year, as well as this year’s equipment priorities for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and Cumberland Mental Health and Addictions.

11/12/2025

Today, November 12th marks the beginning of our annual Light The Way Campaign. Watch for our fundraising letter and pledge sheet to arrive in your mailbox soon. Also, watch for our annual Newsletter to be delivered with your flyers during the week of November 24th. We thank you in advance for your donations to our annual campaign. All money donated pays for equipment and other necessary items for the Cumberland Health Care Centre and Cumberland Mental Health and Addictions. Please contact us if you have not received your letter and pledge sheet or the newsletter at 902-667-5400 ext.6210

11/10/2025

There will be a Community Information Session with Nova Scotia Health and partners at the CCUBIC in Amherst on Thursday, November 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. You can visit booths and learn about the expansion project happening at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst. You can also find out about health care services in the Cumberland area.