PHANS believes that public health is the product of a healthy community, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We envision a society which offers supportive and rewarding social and educational structures, which enable its members to live together harmoniously as a group and interact constructively as individuals. We all have a role to play in advocating for health equity in Nova Scotia and it's communities.
PHANS formed
PHANS registered as a society
PHANS became credible independent voice for health system reform. During this period, PHANS was represented on nearly every health system reform Task Force, Committee, and Commission, and provided multiple critiques and presentations to government.
Organized a major intersectoral conference, "Sickness, Health and the Economy " with over 100 participants from federal, provincial, regional, and local governments
Website and list serve launched
Accountability Framework
Participated on Chronic Disease Prevention Strategy committees
Developed Election Primer
Participated in Public Health Roundtable
Provided comments on the provincial gaming strategy and the tobacco strategy
VOICES Grant with Micmac Friendship Centre
(Now called Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre)
Developed initial Public Health Capacity Framework
Worked with Doctors Nova Scotia and Health Charities to push for and participate in the Independent Review of Public Health
Contributed to Public Health Capacity Framework and presentation at CPHA conference
Participated in Health Literacy Consultation
Participated in development of National Health Goals
Partnered with Circle Time for Child Care to advocate for restoration of national daycare program
Participation with Renewal of Public Health in Nova Scotia
Conducted survey of PHANS members’ expectations, involvement, and satisfaction
Developed Election Primer
Passed resolution to support Prevent Violence Canada
Passed resolutions to support Skills Enhancement for
Public Health and the Core Competencies for Public Health
Met with Provincial NDP, PC and Liberal Caucuses to raise awareness of PHANS and key public health issues
Offered Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada: Release 1.0 workshop to 166 Nova Scotian Public Health Practitioners
By-Laws updated and approved, and Memorandum of Association certified
Collaborated with Smoke Free Nova Scotia to implement and complete survey on public health and tobacco control
Approved 2010-2014 Strategic Plan
Key priority areas:
1. Early child development
2. Reduction of health inequity and poverty
3. Enhancing capacity of public health workforce
Met with Provincial NDP, PC and Liberal Caucuses to raise awareness of PHANS and key public health issues
Presented "Health Equity Conference" in Moncton, NB along with Public Health Association of NB/PEI
Developed Election Primer
Collaborated with NS Department of Health and Wellness, NS Health Authority, and National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health to offer, "Upstream Action for Health Equity and Social Justice: Practices for Creating Change"
Provided financial donation to Prevention of Violence Canada to support their ongoing work and Town Hall meeting in Vancouver
Met with NS Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine and established plan for ongoing communication
Conducted membership survey
Established Member’s Forum
Established Student Award
Advocated with NS Health and Wellness Minister for Social Responsibility in Marketing to Children and Youth
Website renewal
Cheryl MacNeil BScN, RN
Cheryl graduated from Cape Breton University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and BSc in Biology. Her passion for working with children and families led her to the IWK following graduation, and then to Public Health Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Sydney) in 2005. Cheryl is currently working as a Public Health Nurse on the Early Years team, focused on the Enhanced Home Visiting program. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health (nursing specialization) through Lakehead University.
Cheryl is an active volunteer in her community, with a keen interest in healthy child development and the impact of social and physical environments on health. At her children’s school, she has successfully coordinated the development of a natural playground and is an advocate for outdoor play and learning. She is a facilitator with Hike Nova Scotia Re-Connecting with Nature program, a member of Health Providers Against Poverty-NS, and the PHANS Membership & Communication working group.






















