Mental health literacy in Nova Scotia’s education system

15 Years After the Evergreen Framework

Bibliographic Data

ID22945375
AuthorsDamian Page (0000-0002-5878-2151, University of Toronto), Chris Gilham (0000-0003-3286-6258, Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, 521F-4130 University Ave, Antigonish, NS, Canada B2G 2W5), Brandon Hamilton (0009-0009-4925-4507, Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, 521F-4130 University Ave, Antigonish, NS, Canada B2G 2W5), Chloe Vukosa (Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, 521F-4130 University Ave, Antigonish, NS, Canada B2G 2W5)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue4
Publication date2025-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daaf121
PMID40692409
OpenAlexW4412595122
LanguageEN
References cited31

This study examined the current state of mental health literacy (MHL)-related educator training, certification, and policy in Nova Scotia, Canada. It addressed three research questions: (i) How has Nova Scotia’s educational policy landscape responded to the Evergreen Framework’s (EF’s) strategic directions? (ii) What are the strengths and gaps in current MHL-related policies? (iii) What sources of MHL training are available to preservice educators through Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and early childhood education (ECE) programs and to in-service educators through Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs and professional development (PD). A deductive content analysis was used to evaluate the alignment of provincial policies with the EF. An environmental scan and systematic analysis were conducted across ECE, B.Ed., and M.Ed. programs, as well as PD offerings and curriculum content. Findings indicate that while aspects of MHL are embedded within inclusive education policies and select course offerings, explicit training in MHL is limited and inconsistently implemented. PD opportunities and regional education center resources vary widely, and MHL competencies are not mandated for certification. The study provides recommendations for policy and training reform.

Archaeology · Environmental health · Evergreen · Geography · Health care · Health literacy · Literacy · Mental health · Nova (rocket) · Nova scotia · Pedagogy · Political science · Psychiatry · Ecology · Engineering · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Psychology · School Health and Nursing Education · Gerontology