News and Events

 

Recognizing the impact of strong rural healthcare on quality of life for local residents, economic impact and the belief in having healthcare close to home, three Huron County municipalities – Central Huron, Town of Goderich, and Ashfield-Colbourne-Wawanosh – have stepped forward with combined funding commitments of $1,250,000 towards bringing an MRI machine to Huron County. With this support the Magnetic Moments campaign has raised $4,698,574.25 of its $6,500,000 goal.  

The Municipality of Central Huron was the first to commit funding to the campaign following a presentation by the campaign’s municipalities subcommittee members Florence Witherspoon and Liz Higgins-Sager to council on Tuesday, May 19.

“Central Huron council voted unanimously to donate $250,000 to the Magnetic Moments campaign. Nothing affects the well being of our residents more than medical care and the state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment needed by our medical professionals. Currently our residents have to travel large distances to receive the medical analysis they require. Having an MRI in Huron County benefits all Huron County residents,” says Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn.

Funding for the donation comes from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) grant Central Huron received for being part of the Deep Geological Repository selection process. The grant was given with the stated purpose that it be used for betterment of the community.

During a presentation to the Town of Goderich council, Florence Witherspoon and Liz Higgins-Sager presented the case for support, highlighting the economic impact of strong healthcare on the region. The two responded to questions following the presentation and after internal reviews, Mayor Trevor Bazinet announced, “The Town of Goderich is proud to support the Magnetic Moments Campaign with a $750,000 contribution approved by Council. Investing in healthcare is an investment in our residents, our families, and the future of our community.
 

Access to an MRI closer to home will have a meaningful impact on the lives of people across Huron County by reducing travel times, improving access to timely diagnostics, and helping ensure better health outcomes. Strong healthcare services are also essential in attracting new residents, businesses, and healthcare professionals to our region.”

Also bordering the Town of Goderich and with a growing population, the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh confirmed a five-year pledge of $250,000 towards the capital campaign following a presentation to council by Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer and municipalities committee member Dan Hayden. 

“ACW council sees the merit in an MRI for the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, surrounding area, all of Huron County and beyond and that’s why the decision to commit $250,000 was supported by council on behalf of the residents of ACW and the surrounding area,” says Glen McNeil, Mayor of Ashfield–Colborne–Wawanosh. 

“A lot of health care usage is unpredictable - no one knows if or when they might need an MRI, and yet many of us will at some point in our lives. As a local physician, I am so pleased to see our municipalities coming through with impactful pledges that will ensure that the geographic and other barriers to accessing MRI services can be overcome, and that the wait times in the region will improve for everyone as Huron County gets its first MRI suite,” says Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, Magnetic Moments campaign chair. 

Kimberley Payne, executive director of the AMGH Foundation, shared, "What most people don’t realize is that hospital foundations cover the costs of any hospital equipment over $1,000 with funds raised by the community rather than the ministry. The $6,500,000 required to purchase, construct the space needed to house the machine and install it here at the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital is no exception. Once installed, the ministry will cover the operational costs including staffing and supplies.”