SDG Counties Seeks Funding to Address Rural Healthcare Shortage

In an effort to combat a significant shortage of primary healthcare providers, SDG Counties has applied for funding to support its “Great River, Great Future – Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Initiative.” This initiative aims to address the alarming statistic that over 21,000 residents across the City of Cornwall, Russell, and Akwesasne currently lack access to a primary care provider. The situation is expected to worsen as eight doctors and nurse practitioners are set to retire within the next three years.

Data from the Great River Ontario Health Team, sourced from Ontario Health, reveals that as of March 2025, South Glengarry has the highest percentage of residents without a primary care provider at 15%. North Glengarry follows closely behind, with 14%, while North Dundas has the lowest at 6%. These figures highlight the urgent need for healthcare professionals in the area, particularly as many residents struggle to secure consistent medical care.

SDG Counties is taking proactive steps to mitigate this crisis with the support of the Great River Ontario Health Team. The initiative seeks to create a comprehensive workforce recruitment campaign aimed at attracting healthcare providers to Eastern Ontario. The Counties has allocated $136,000 for the project over a two-year period. If the funding application is successful, the Counties could receive up to $68,000 to further bolster recruitment efforts.

Funding and in-kind support have also been pledged by local partners, including the City of Cornwall, Carefor Health & Community Services, the municipality of Russell, and the Township of South Stormont. These collaborations are crucial in the shared goal of attracting primary healthcare providers to the region.

According to local data, a minimum of 39 primary care providers are needed to adequately meet the current healthcare demands of residents. In addition to local recruitment efforts, there is hope that doctors considering leaving Quebec due to legislative changes, specifically Bill 2, may look to SDG Counties as a viable option for practice.

The initiative signifies a critical move towards ensuring that residents have access to necessary healthcare services. As the situation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that these efforts will lead to a strengthened healthcare workforce and improved health outcomes for all residents.