Outreach Initiative: Care Kits for Newcomers

This month, NHH volunteers came together to create Sun Safety Kits and Feminine Hygiene Kits for our newcomer community. Each of these kits included infographics designed by our nursing and medical students, covering topics such as cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, and sun safety tips. We chose to focus on these areas due to the prevalent misinformation within our newcomer community. For example, research indicates that newcomers and immigrants are at a significantly higher risk of being underscreened for cervical cancer compared to Canadian-born individuals. This is particularly concerning since cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable with early detection.

Our healthcare volunteers created informative and easy-to-understand pamphlets to accompany the kits, aiming to spread awareness and accurate information.

The Sun Safety Kits included:

• Sunglasses (available in both adult and children's sizes)

• Full-size sunscreen

• Umbrella

• Hats

• Information pamphlet on sun safety and prevention of skin cancer

The Feminine Hygiene Kits included:

• Packs of sanitary pads

• Body wipes

• Toothbrushes

• Toothpaste

• Body soap

• Deodorant

• Face towels

• Information pamphlet on cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers and generous donors, including the OMSA Student Initiative Grant, for making this outreach initiative possible!