Dignitaries and stakeholders from across the region gathered at the Winchester & District Memorial Hospital for a health care funding announced by SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn. Courtesy Photo

WINCHESTER – Access to health care remains a top priority for people in Stormont Dundas and Glengarry. The shortage of health care professionals in the area is a significant issue facing people from all walks of life.

In a press conference held on June 26 at the Winchester and District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) a funding announcement was made by SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn. $68,000 in funding provided by Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs will be provided in support of the Great River, Great Future initiative.

It was explained in a press release, how this initiative will bring together stakeholders and community partners from Akwesasne, the City of Cornwall, parts of rural southeast Ottawa, SDG counties and Russell Township. By working together as a single entity to “attract, recruit, welcome and retain healthcare professionals”, SDG Counties, who had submitted the application for funding, will “serve as the funding administrator and support the implementation of the initiative across partner communities.”

The Great River, Great Future initiative was developed in response to “increasing demands for healthcare services and growing recruitment challenges” faced by local healthcare providers. The shared strategy will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to meet these challenges by working together.

Comments from SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn mentioned the strengthening of “vital services and critical infrastructure” is needed when planning for the future. He noted that the Ontario government is working to ensure “that SDG continues to be an incredible place to live work, and raise a family” by ensuring municipalities have access to water and to healthcare workers.

The campaign will coordinate social media outreach, coordinated digital marketing, participation in activities such as conferences and recruitment events across the province, the country and abroad. As well community tours for those interested in living and working in the region will be provided to assist in decision-making of potential candidates and families.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the “dedicated recruitment website” located at GreatRiverGreatFuture.ca. This website is designed to provide information on “career opportunities, community profiles, relocation resources” as well as information on communities and opportunities for employment in the area.

SDG Counties Warden François Landry commented how SDG Counties is “grateful to receive the Rural Ontario Development Program funding and is looking forward to working with partners in support of “healthcare recruitment” and addressing “the critical staffing shortages across the region.”

“Addressing health human resource needs required a shared commitment and a collective approach.” said Executive Transformation Lead, Great River Ontario Health Team in the release. She continued how this project demonstrates what can be achieved by working together collaboratively to “build a more connected, sustainable healthcare workforce across the region.”

More information is available by visiting GreatRiverGreatFuture.ca or watching a promotional video on YouTube.