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The Face of Poverty Consultation (FACE) is an faith-based group working for the eradication of poverty in Nova Scotia. It is focusing its education programming on the Social Determinants of Health. Health care is a hot topic today with a legitimate focus in the public, the media and politically on access to primary care, emergency departments and hospitals. What is not receiving much profile is the wider social factors determining individual and population health.

Determinants of health are the broad range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine health. Some of the main determinants of health include: income and social status, employment and working conditions, education and literacy, childhood experiences, access to health services, gender and race / racism.

To begin the education process on the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), FACE organized a webinar on two factors, food insecurity (largely due to the lack of income) and solutions to income inequality. Robert Wright, a social worker and activist introduced the SDOH and was joined by Karen Theriault, Feed Nova Scotia and Laurie Michael from the GBI (Guaranteed Basic Income) network PEI. The webinar is moderated by Sandra Hennigar, Chair, Face of Poverty Consultation.

FACE is the primary initiative the Diocese participates in under the Basic Needs Ministry of the Mission, Outreach and Social Justice Team (MOST).

A video of the webinar can be watched here.