Tag Archives: Almonte General Hospital

AGH’s 12th Annual Run for Women’s & Newborn Health races into the record books

Photo credit: Submitted.
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The 12th Annual AGH Run for Women’s & Newborn Health, presented by Canadian Tire (Carleton Place), raced into the record books on Saturday, June 7, raising an unprecedented $165,000 in support of newborn health and the obstetrics department at Almonte General Hospital (AGH).

Organized by the Almonte General Hospital – Fairview Manor Foundation, the beloved annual fundraiser drew more than 400 participants, volunteers, and supporters of all ages, from babies in strollers to spirited seniors, who ran, walked, and rallied together in support of local healthcare.

“We are blown away by the generosity and spirit shown this year,” said Vaia Dimas, Executive Director of the AGH FVM Foundation. “These funds will go directly toward the purchase of urgently needed equipment, like post-partum beds, Panda Warmers and a HUGS infant security system, that help ensure the best possible care for moms and babies. Thank you to every donor, participant, and volunteer who made this incredible day possible. This event truly showcases what our community can achieve together.”

Participants chose between a 3K or 5K route through the scenic town of Almonte, beginning and ending behind AGH and Fairview Manor. The always-popular Baby Race also returned, offering plenty of smiles and laughs as the youngest “racers” toddled or crawled across the finish line.

“This event continues to be a joyful expression of community pride, compassion, and generosity,” said Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance. “To see so many people come together for women’s and newborn health, and to raise a record amount, is both heartwarming and inspiring. These funds will make a lasting impact on care provided right here at AGH.”

Photo credit: Submitted.

This year’s event also included a surprise presentation of the Bert McIntyre Award to Julie Munro, long-time AGH Run Committee Chair. The award, presented annually to an outstanding volunteer of the AGH-FVM Foundation, recognized Julie’s extraordinary dedication, having led the Run Committee for the past 10 years and serving nine years on the AGH-FVM Foundation Board. Julie has given tirelessly of her time and energy to the cause of local health care.

“It’s been an incredible honour to be part of this event for more than a decade,” said Munro. “Seeing it grow year after year, and now witnessing the largest total ever raised, fills me with gratitude. I’m so proud of our community, our sponsors, and every single person who showed up to make a difference today.”

In addition to record-setting participation and fundraising, several individuals and teams went above and beyond. The Almonte District High School made the Run their charity this year and brought in over $18,000 – alongside R. Tait McKenzie Public School and Naismith Memorial Public School who held student fundraisers over the past few weeks.

This year’s top individual fundraiser, Darrell Graham, raised over $34,000, while the top fundraising team, the Lotan Family, brought in $13,000 in honour of AGH’s obstetrics team. Other dedicated community partners, including Vamos Outdoors, Westview Projects, Orchard View, Thrive Chiro, Joanne Beaton, Dandelion Foods, Quinn Donohue Ayling Realty, DockMaster, Kate Dawes, and Almonte Civitan were also recognized for their outstanding support.

Since its inception in 2013, AGH’s Annual Run for Women’s & Newborn Health has raised more than $400,000 to help the AGH FVM Foundation purchase essential medical equipment not funded by the government. Past purchases have included labour and delivery beds, warming stations, IV pumps, and specialized baby scales. Prizes were awarded to top fundraisers, with all participants who raised over $100 entered into a draw featuring generously donated items from Cavanagh Construction.

To learn more or to make a donation in support of the AGH FVM Foundation, visit: www.almontehospitalfoundation.com.

MRHA celebrates over 90 staff members at Long Service Awards Ceremony

20 Years - Christine Boast, Jean Riopelle, Tracy Cameron. Photo credit: Submitted.

Staff from hospitals, long-term care, and paramedic service honoured for years of service

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The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) proudly recognized more than 90 dedicated employees at its annual Long Service Awards Ceremony, held yesterday afternoon at the Carleton Place Canoe Club.

Staff from Almonte General Hospital (AGH), Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH), Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) were honoured for reaching milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and even 40 years of service.

“These awards reflect more than just time, they reflect trust, dedication, and impact,” said Brad Harrington, MRHA President & CEO. “Every year of service represents hundreds of moments that shape patient experiences, build stronger teams, and strengthen our connection to community. It’s a privilege to celebrate the people who are the foundation of everything we do.”

The ceremony included remarks from MRHA leadership and Board Chair Lyman Gardiner, with individual tributes delivered by department leaders recognizing staff from across the Alliance.

Among those recognized:

  • Lisa McPhail, Cheri Hickey, and Linda Melbrew – 40 years of service at AGH
  • Sheila Lefebvre – 35 years at FVM
  • Dr. Janice Gray, Corinne Ramey, and Patti Morton – 30 years
  • And many others who continue to make a lasting difference through their work in patient care, long-term care, and emergency services

“This ceremony is one of the most meaningful events on our calendar,” added Harrington. “It reminds us that the strength of our health system comes not from buildings or budgets, but from people. And we are incredibly fortunate to have the people we do.”

The MRHA Long Service Awards reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognizing staff who go above and beyond to serve patients, residents, families, and their fellow team members across Lanark County.To stay updated on MRHA news and developments, visit www.MRHA.ca or follow MRHA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

MRHA displays progress pride flags across all sites to honour Pride Month and deepen commitment to inclusion

Fairview Manor. Photo credit: Submitted.
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The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) is marking Pride Month by formally displaying the Progress Pride Flag at all its sites: Almonte General Hospital, Fairview Manor, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital and the Lanark County Paramedic Service Headquarters. These displays are a visible expression of the MRHA’s enduring commitment to equity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), an entity of the MRHA, has long participated in Pride Month through annual flag displays at its Montague headquarters and by wearing rainbow epaulettes throughout June. Their continued leadership in this space reinforces MRHA’s collective efforts to foster inclusive, compassionate care across all sites and services.

Almonte General Hospital. Photo credit: Submitted.

These displays are more than symbolic. They reflect MRHA’s deeply held values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and honour the voices, identities, and histories of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across the communities we are proud to serve.

“Displaying these flags is a meaningful way to demonstrate who we are and what we stand for,” said Brad Harrington, President & CEO of MRHA. “They send a clear message: everyone is welcome here, everyone belongs.”

Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital. Photo credit: Submitted.

The initiative builds on a year of significant progress led by MRHA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) Committee, which continues to drive systemic change across the organization. Notable milestones include:

  • The introduction of gender-neutral restroom signage across sites
  • DEI&B training modules launched system-wide, surpassing completion targets.
  • Strengthened partnerships with Wabano Centre, Ginawaydaganuc Village, and Pride Mississippi Mills, among others
  • Implementation of a formal Land Acknowledgment Policy for all MRHA events and communications.

Lanark County Paramedic Service Headquarters. Photo credit: Submitted.

“These flags are a visible reminder of the real work underway to create a more inclusive healthcare system,” said Angela McLean, Chair of the DEI&B Committee. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more committed to the work ahead.”

Looking forward, MRHA will continue advancing cultural safety, implementing smudging and spiritual support services, enhancing inclusive hiring practices, and deepening its engagement with equity-deserving communities.

MRHA is proud to stand alongside our staff, patients, and community partners in advancing equity, not only during Pride Month, but year-round.

To learn more about MRHA’s DEI&B efforts, visit www.mrha.ca

Supporting two vital community organizations – one Smile Cookie at a time

Mississippi River Health Alliance President & CEO Brad Harrington, Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills, Deputy Mayor Rick Minnille, Councillor Mary Lou Souter, Jane Torrance, Councillor for Almonte, Mississippi Mills, Mississippi Mills CAO Ken Kelly, AGH-FVM Foundation Chair Seth Richards, AGH-FVM Foundation Board of Directors Nancy MacGuirr and Emily Arbour and Lanark County Food Bank-The Hunger Stop Manager Tammy Parent. Photo credit: Submitted.
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As sure as flowers will sprout – Spring is Tim Hortons’ time to show their support for their community – one Smile Cookie at a time.

From April 28 to May 4 100% of the proceeds from the Carleton Place and Almonte Tim Hortons’ locations will support the Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital Foundation and Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation and the Lanark County Food Bank – The Hunger Stop.

Cookies will be sold for $2 each, with the Food Bank and Hospital Foundations splitting the proceeds 50/50.

Lanark County Food Bank-The Hunger Stop Manager Tammy Parent, Scot Moore, owner, Robyn Arsenault, Executive Director of the Carleton Place Memorial District Hospital foundation, Paolo Villa member of the foundation, Lisa Peters owner, owner-in-training James Moore, Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randall, and Donna Hamilton volunteer coordinator with the hospital foundation. Photo credit: Submitted.

“The Smile Cookie campaign brings our community together in the sweetest way possible,” says Robyn Arseneau, Executive Director of the CPDMH Foundation. “The energy and enthusiasm we see each year is absolutely heartwarming. Every cookie truly makes a difference for patient care at our hospital.” 

“One cookie might seem small, but together they create a wave of support that nourishes our entire community. Since the food bank relies entirely on public donations, the funds from this campaign will cover our milk bill for six months, ensuring that the 1,900 people we serve each month continue to receive this essential item,” Tammy Parent, Manager for The Hunger Stop.

The Lanark County Food Bank is a non-denominational, non-political organization sustained solely by private donations. It is a needs-based food bank; providing food to everyone who comes to the door asking for help.

MRHA welcomes James Hildebrand as new VP of Capital Development and Support Services

James Hildebrand
James Hildebrand. Photo credit: Submitted.
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The Mississippi River Health Alliance (“MRHA”) is pleased to announce the appointment of James Hildebrand as Vice President of Capital Development and Support Services. Hildebrand, a seasoned leader with 30 years of expertise in healthcare capital planning, facilities management, and support services, succeeds Randy Shaw, who retires following a distinguished career marked by transformative contributions to healthcare across the region. 

Hildebrand’s career spans both national and international leadership in complex healthcare projects. His expertise includes major hospital redevelopment, sustainability initiatives, and optimizing support services—all aligning with MRHA’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing community health.

“James’ extensive experience and leadership in healthcare development make him an invaluable addition to MRHA as we expand our facilities and services,” said Brad Harrington, MRHA President and CEO. “His commitment to patient-centered care and collaborative approach are a perfect fit with our organization’s mission and values.”

Prior to joining MRHA, Hildebrand served as Director of Redevelopment, Facilities, and Support Services at Quinte Health, where he led the creation of the innovative 100,000-square-foot Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital—the first North American hospital constructed entirely from mass timber, utilizing a hybrid geothermal and solar power system. His other achievements include leading major capital projects at the University of Ottawa and Cambridge Memorial Hospital, as well as a $1.2 billion healthcare expansion at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar.

“I am honoured to join the Mississippi River Health Alliance and to work alongside talented teams to enhance facilities and services that make a real difference in our patients’ lives,” said Hildebrand. “My goal is to build on MRHA’s strong foundation and advance projects that support sustainable growth and high-quality care for our communities.”

In his role with MRHA, Hildebrand will oversee capital development and support services, guiding critical infrastructure projects that enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient experiences across Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital, Fairview Manor, and Lanark County Paramedic Service.


In welcoming James Hildebrand, MRHA also celebrates the remarkable career of Randy Shaw, whose nearly 25 years of dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on healthcare in the region. Randy’s tenure is distinguished by his pivotal role in uniting Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Fairview Manor (FVM) into a single healthcare campus—a transformation that preserved FVM and expanded essential services for the community. He also led the redevelopment of the Carleton Place Emergency Department and fostered partnerships that broadened access to vital healthcare resources. Known for his collaborative spirit and commitment to patient-centered care, Randy has been instrumental in strengthening MRHA’s healthcare services. MRHA and the entire community extend heartfelt gratitude to Randy for his exceptional service and dedication, and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement and future endeavors.

President & CEO of Mississippi River Health Alliance announces plan to step down in 2024

Mary Wilson Trider.
Mary Wilson Trider. Photo credit: Submitted.

Mary Wilson Trider, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, has shared with the Allied Boards of Directors her intention to step down in the Spring of 2024. The recruitment process for a new President and CEO is underway.

“First and foremost, thank you to Mary for her stellar leadership over 13 years with the Almonte General Hospital, Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service, and more than 7 years with the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital,” notes Allied Boards Chair Lyman Gardiner.  “Mary’s accomplishments over the years are numerous.  Her leadership has supported and guided the creation and development of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, which provides patients, residents, and families with the very best health care close to home. We are grateful for her dedication to the organizations, and to those we serve.”

The Board has retained the services of Jon Stungevicius of Waterhouse Executive Search and will commence a comprehensive national search for our next President and CEO to build on Mary’s legacy and lead the MRHA in the next phase of our journey.

“Over the next several months, Mary will continue to lead the organizations and support key initiatives underway such as the new CT Scanner in Almonte and the redevelopment of the Emergency Department in Carleton Place,” adds Mr. Gardiner.

Article Submitted.

Annual Lake 88 Radiothon for Local Healthcare Raises $122,475

Lake 88 Radiothon
Lake 88's Jamie Cybulski, Adam Weekes, Brian Perkin and Bob Perreault. Photo credit: Submitted.

The Annual Lake 88 Radiothon for local health care has raised $122,475 for local hospitals and community health care centres. And we can’t thank you enough. 

Lake 88 Radiothon Founder Brian Perkin said once again, the community stepped up. “It’s been an incredible rush to see so many people supporting the local hospitals and community health centres. It’s just incredible the support that comes in and of course, all those donations are greatly needed.” 

The radiothon ran for 12 hours from 6am until 6pm on October 12th and saw Lake 88 hosts joined by physicians, nurses, patients, family of past patients, valued volunteers and healthcare administrators, all working together to increase the awareness of local health care programs and raise the money need to fund them and hospital equipment and supplies. 

Lake 88’s Grant Deme and Adam Weekes. Photo credit: Submitted.

The station once again partnered with the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation, the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation, as well as Country Roads Community Health Centre, ConnectWell Community Health and Rideau Community Health Services.   

This is the fifth time the major healthcare fundraiser has been held by Lake 88 (now a division of ‘My Broadcasting Corporation’), and Lake 88 operations Manager Bob Perreault said our listening area lived up to its reputation. “This is what we see in Lanark County, the hospitals and community health centres put out a call and residents, businesses, service clubs, they all answer it. It makes it possible for our healthcare providers to deliver the world-class healthcare we need.” 

The Lake 88 Radiothon for Local Healthcare has now raised just over $600,000 for local health care in its five-year run. Planning for the sixth annual Radiothon will begin shortly.

Article submitted

Vendor chosen for CT Scanner Project at Almonte General Hospital

The GE HealthCare Revolution Ascend CT Scanner
The GE HealthCare Revolution Ascend CT Scanner. Photo credit: Submitted.

Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, GE HealthCare Canada has been chosen to provide the new CT Scanner at Almonte General Hospital. The first patients will be welcomed by late spring or early summer next year.


“GE HealthCare has an excellent reputation and extensive experience in the healthcare field,” noted Mary Wilson Trider, President & CEO.  “They are providing a turnkey solution including design work and renovations as well as supplying and installing the equipment.”

The Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation is fully funding the project with its commitment of $3.2 million and has already raised $1.8 million. Generous donors have committed an additional $700,000 in pledges and the Foundation’s Cabinet, under the leadership of Seth Richards, is working with the community to raise the final $700,000. “We are grateful,” said Rob Scott, Chair of the AGH FVM Foundation. “Many years ago, Hospital leadership identified CT scan as the most important piece of diagnostic equipment needed to continue to provide the best quality care here at AGH. This community, through its generous support of our Foundation, made it happen.  The health of hundreds of our residents will be impacted by this new CT starting next spring and for many years to come – and that’s something we can all be proud of.”

Computerized tomography (CT) scans use x-rays and computers to create cross-sectional, 3D images of the body. The pictures show detailed, thin ‘slices’ of the body, providing faster and more accurate diagnosis. Once operational, the CT Scanner will be an important diagnostic tool close to home and will support reduced wait times across the region.

Detailed drawings are now being finalized for the building permit application and final Ministry of Health review. Minor renovations to relocate the Ultrasound Room at AGH will pave the way for construction to begin. Additional technologists will support the new equipment. 

Article submitted.

Paramedic service review

Lanark County Paramedics
Lanark County Paramedics Gord Cobus and Bryan Pollock. Photo credit: Submitted.

County Council received an update and overview of the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) from Mary Wilson Trider, President and CEO of Almonte General Hospital and Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital. The service is operated by Almonte General Hospital on behalf of the County. County council approves the annual budget, collective bargaining mandate, response time plan and service enhancements.

Wilson Trider outlined the number of vehicles, mileage and replacement intervals, as well as crew complements and equipment found in the vehicles. Total patient carrying calls were 15,914, with the highest volume from the Perth base at 5,029. She said the service is currently staffed by a chief, deputy chief, commander, four superintendents, two administrative support staff, 51 full-time paramedics and 53 part-time paramedics. “Paramedics perform more delegated medical acts than any other health-care professionals, other than a physician,” she said.

Wilson Trider highlighted the community para-medicine program, which is “an evolving a flexible health-care model that allows paramedics to operate in expanded rolls outside of traditional 911 response.” Community paramedics focus on connecting patients to primary care, completing post-hospital follow-up care, integrating with public health and home health agencies. In 2022, 371 new patients were enrolled and 3,553 visits completed. The program currently has short-term provincial funding.

Council also learned the results of a successful ambulance service review, which is conducted every three years to ensure a service is meeting or exceeding Ministry of Health requirements. “It requires a score of 90 per cent to be successful,” Wilson Trider said, noting LCPS scored 99.19 per cent.

Article by Brian Turner

An open letter to the community from your healthcare workers

Dear friends and neighbours across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville,

Our communities are facing a very concerning increase of COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is here, and it is increasing the pressures on our already fragile health system.

Every person carrying the Omicron variant is infecting more than four other people. By comparison, anyone with the Delta variant currently infects only one other person. We are also seeing increasing volumes of other sick and injured people in our hospitals.

As your local doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, we need your help. We cannot safely navigate the weeks ahead without you.

Please follow these important safety precautions:

  • Get vaccinated, including a third dose. A third dose improves efficacy of the vaccine, meaning if you do contract COVID-19, your symptoms will be milder. This is better for you and our health system. Visit https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/vaccine-clinics/ for clinic information.
  • Keep a safe distance when with others from outside your household.
  • Wear a mask indoors when near those from outside your household.
  • Wash your hands well and often. This reduces transmission of all viruses and germs.
  • Please limit social gatherings or keep them small. This is a hard message to share. We all want to celebrate the holidays with our friends and loved ones. But we cannot let our guard down; we must all work together to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
  • Screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily.
  • Stay home, isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms, even mild symptoms.
  • If you are a close-contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case but have not yet been contacted by public health, please self-isolate and get tested.

Please help to ensure that our community can continue to seek emergency and time-sensitive care.

We are committed to doing our part, by keeping our hospitals safe through adherence to strict infection control and cleaning practices and ensuring we follow the important public health guidelines – such as getting vaccinated.

We’ve done this before, and we can do it again. We’re grateful to those in our communities who have been vaccinated and continue to follow these important safety guidelines.

Please stay strong. We need your help to relieve the pressure on our health care system so we can continue to treat those who need help over the winter season.

Signed, your health care teams at,
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Almonte General Hospital
Brockville General Hospital
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital