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Mississippi River Health Alliance reflects on a transformative year of growth and community care at June 24 AGM

Staff at the Almonte General Hospital standing with the new CT scanner- Photo via MRHA

The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) gathered this week to celebrate a year of transformative milestones, community partnerships, and significant healthcare advancements at its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Held at Almonte General Hospital on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 the AGM brought together staff, physicians, volunteers, board members, and community partners to reflect on a year defined by improvements, innovation and collaboration.

“This was a year of forward movement, not just marked by ribbon cuttings, but by the quieter, deliberate work of building something lasting,” said Brad Harrington, MRHA President & CEO in a press release. “Together, we’ve enhanced access, strengthened care, and demonstrated what’s possible when communities come together.”

Among the major highlights celebrated was the January opening of the Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department at Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). According to the MRHA, the newly redeveloped space has improved patient privacy, workflow, infection control, and generally enhanced emergency care for residents in the region.

Ribbon cutting in January 2025 to unveil the new Thomas Cavanagh Emergency Department at Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital

In Almonte, the community witnessed the installation of its first-ever CT scanner at Almonte General Hospital—an achievement made possible entirely through donor support. Fully operational since the spring, the new scanner is significantly reducing wait times and bringing advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home.

“These accomplishments underscore what we can achieve through collaboration and community support,” said Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead for MRHA. “The event marked a year of important milestones across our hospitals, long-term care home, and paramedic service, including the installation of a donor-funded CT scanner at AGH.”

The evening also paid tribute to the dedicated individuals behind these successes. Over 90 MRHA long-term staff were honoured for their years of service, alongside 21 committed volunteers who have made lasting contributions to patient and resident care. John Jordan, MPP for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, also attended the event as as guest speaker.

“This organization’s strength comes from its people,” Harrington stated. “Across every site and every role, we see compassion, resilience, and an unwavering focus on delivering the very best care close to home.”

For more information, visit www.MRHA.ca.

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