Meet the prideHealth wellness navigator connecting people to care, one conversation at a time

For Wellness Navigator Jacob Daley, joining Nova Scotia Health's prideHealth team feels "full circle." 

After spending nearly seven years as a dialysis nurse and volunteering with Pride Cape Breton in education and advocacy roles, he now can combine those experiences as a wellness navigator with Nova Scotia Health's prideHealth team. 

"It's been a really rewarding experience," Jacob says. "I've been able to bring together my experience as a nurse and as a community volunteer in the work I do now." 

As a wellness navigator, Jacob helps 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the province access healthcare, find affirming care services and navigate a system that can feel overwhelming or difficult to trust. 

 Although he loved dialysis work, he was ready for a new challenge and was drawn to a role that combined his healthcare expertise with his longstanding commitment to the queer community. 

"During my time volunteering with Pride Cape Breton, I helped organize community events, educational programming, Pride celebrations and creating opportunities for people to learn, connect and feel seen," Jacob explains. 

When he moved into full-time nursing, it became difficult to balance volunteering with the demands of shift work. Joining prideHealth offered a chance to reconnect those two parts of his life. 

"Coming back now as a nurse working within prideHealth and supporting the communities I care about has been amazing," he says. 

Jacob's days include responding to inquiries from patients, families and healthcare providers. He also supports educational initiatives, develops resources and helps map affirming healthcare services across Nova Scotia. 

A key part of prideHealth's work is serving as a trusted, safe and judgment-free source of information. 

"People aren't always aware of what's available," he says. "We're able to help provide information and connect people to the right services." 

Creating a safe space for those conversations is a core part of the team's work. prideHealth's navigation services are confidential and can even be accessed anonymously, something that helps many people feel comfortable reaching out. 

"We really strive to make people feel safe," he says. "We don't need personal information. We just want to help." 

That support can be especially meaningful for people living in rural communities, where resources may be limited and accessing healthcare can require significant travel. 

Jacob recalls conversations where people need healthcare and have no idea where to start, whether it’s because they’re new to the province, living rurally or dealing with several other potential barriers. He’s learned that folks are really grateful to have somewhere safe to turn.  

"Sometimes we're not able to solve every problem," Jacob points out, “but having someone to talk to and someone who understands how challenging it can be can still make a difference." 

Jacob’s commitment to affirming care is rooted in his belief that healthcare should meet people where they are and address the needs of the communities it serves. 

Drawing on census data showing that a significant portion of Nova Scotians identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, he sees affirming care as an essential part of the healthcare landscape. 

"This population exists and it's being served," he says. "We need to offer that care just like we would any other kind of care." 

Looking ahead, Jacob hopes to see affirming care become even more integrated into everyday healthcare, rather than being viewed as something separate or specialized. 

"I hope we see affirming care treated as part of primary care, just as much as any other aspect of health," he says. "I think we're moving in that direction and it's exciting to be part of that work." 

As Pride season brings communities together across Nova Scotia, Jacob is also reflecting on the importance of visibility and celebration. For him, Pride is about creating space for people to live authentically and showing those who may still be struggling that a brighter future is possible. 

"For every person who feels safe and comfortable being themselves, there are many others who aren't there yet," he says. "Pride gives people the chance to see others living in their truth and their joy and know that it's possible for them too." 

Photo of Jacob Daley.