Need Help Now?

Do you need to register for a health card? 

To register for a health card in Nova Scotia, you must contact the MSI Registration and Inquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or at 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Canada), to start the application process. Learn more here: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/msi/health_cards.asp 

Do you need to sign up with NS Need a Family Practice Registry? 

If you do not have a primary care provider, or your provider is moving, retiring, or closing their practice, there are two ways you can join the registry:

1. Register online by using this link: https://needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca/ 

2. Register by phone by calling 811, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You must choose this option if you are new to Nova Scotia and do not have a Nova Scotia Health Card.

Do you have questions about accessing Healthcare? 

• Call 811 to access health information and advice. Registered Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more here: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/primaryhealthcare/811.asp 

• Where to go for Healthcare Handouts: You can learn more about where to go for healthcare in your community here: https://www.nshealth.ca/where-go-healthcare#:~:text=811,are%20available%20in%20your%20community.   

1. CENTRAL ZONE: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Where%20to%20go%20for%20Healthcare%20-%20Central%20Zone.pdf 

2. WEST HANTS: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Where%20to%20go%20for%20Care%20-%20West%20Hants%20-%20Oct%2017%2C%202025.pdf 

3. KINGS and ANNAPOLIS: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Where%20to%20go%20for%20Healthcare%20-%20Kings%20and%20Annapolis%20%281%29.pdf 

4. DIGBY, SHELBURNE AND YARMOUTH: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Where%20to%20go%20for%20Healthcare%20-%20WZ%20-%20Digby%2C%20Shelburne%20and%20Yarmouth.pdf_0.pdf 

• Visit YourHealthNS to find info and care options: https://www.yourhealthns.ca/ or download the app using the QR code below

Need Help now? Call 2-1-1 or Toll-Free 1-855-466-4994

211 Nova Scotia is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects you to immediate help and essential supports across Nova Scotia including food, housing, mental health, financial assistance, and crisis supports. Community Resource Navigators can connect you to thousands of programs offered by trusted community organizations, non-profits, and government services. 

Help starts with 211 — anytime, day or night. Learn more at ns.211.ca 

Kids Help Phone (KHP): Call 1-800-668-6868/ Text CONNECT to 686868 

Need help now? Reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone 24/7, for FREE. Learn more here: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ 

Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650 

Anyone can initiate requests for support! Simply contact us by phone, email or connect with us through our contact us page. Learn more here: https://blackyouth.ca/services/   

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or Online Chat: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ 

Hope for Wellness Hotline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. 

Trans Life Line: 1-877-330-6366 (call or text)

A trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive. 

Hotline Hours: Monday-Friday from 2pm-10pm (Hours are in Atlantic Time). Learn more here: https://translifeline.org/

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010| If you are in an emergency CALL 911.

You can reach out 24/7 — whether you’re being trafficked, you know someone who is, or you’re a trafficking survivor.  

Learn more here: h ttps://canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/ 

Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE): Call/Text 902-799-0752 / Message via: facebook.com/POSSENS or instagram.com/posse_ns/ or access support in person.  
POSSE-CIAO offers confidential, consent-based support for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance-use related crisis. This service is open to anyone aged 15 and older living in West Hants and is available 24/7. Learn more here: posseproject.ca

NS Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line 1-888-429-8167 

Available 24/7

Child and Family Wellbeing Services-Report child abuse or neglect: 1-877-424-1177 (call and select option 1) 

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the child and family wellbeing agency in the area where the child lives. Find the child and family wellbeing agency in your area here: https://novascotia.ca/coms/department/contact/ChildWelfareServices.html. 

After regular business hours, call 1-866-922-2434 if you believe a child is in immediate danger.

Be Ready for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared for unexpected situations in your home, neighbourhood, and community is essential to staying safe. 

• Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization; Learn more here: https://www.annapolisremo.ca/ 

• Kings County Regional Emergency Management Organization; Learn more here: https://www.kingsremo.ca/  

• West Hants Regional Municipality’s Emergency Management & Protective Services; Learn more here: https://www.westhants.ca/emergency-management-protective-services.html 

Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-222-9597 24-Hour Atlantic Canada Emergency Number 

Helps vulnerable people in communities across Nova Scotia affected by emergencies and disasters - situations ranging from individual house fires, floods and evacuations. Must be within first 72 hours of an emergency 

911: Call for emergencies needing immediate help.

When your health, safety, or safety of others is immediately at risk and you need help right away.

988: Suicide Crisis Hotline

You deserve to be heard. We're here to listen. A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Learn more here: https://988.ca/ 

Free tax clinics

Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP) in Quebec, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. 

Find a tax clinic near you: FREE tax clinics-Canada.ca  

Apply for Housing: Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency 

The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency maintains, manages and operates public housing for low-income Nova Scotians. They help low-income individuals and families find a home that’s right for them, in a community that offers the services, supports and opportunities they need. You can submit an application online, by email, in person at one of our local offices or via mail. 

Learn more here: https://nspha.ca/applicants .

Apply for a rent supplement: Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit helps renters with the cost of their rent if they pay more than 40% of their pre-tax (gross) household income on the average market rent in their area (not the rent that they pay). You can apply any time. 

Review detailed program and eligibility criteria in the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit Renter Guide. 

Learn more here: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-rent-supplement-canada-nova-scotia-targeted-housing-benefit