The Ontario government has announced a significant financial boost for healthcare in the Waterloo Region.
Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris made the $6 million announcement on Monday in Kitchener.
This funding is part of the province’s Primary Care Action Plan, aimed at connecting up to 17,444 residents in Waterloo Region with a primary care provider this year.
“When you have a family doctor, you’re not waiting in an emergency room for something that could have been caught earlier,” said Harris to the gathered media.
He emphasized that ensuring everyone has access to a family doctor helps prevent people from falling through the cracks. Harris pointed out that this funding could be particularly beneficial for one group.
“With some of our wonderful Mennonite population, low German speaking folks out in Woolwich and Wilmot Township and of course, Wellesley as well. It will be great to be able to see them be served by some of this funding.”
Ben Hesch, CEO of the Woolwich Community Health Centre, shared similar thoughts, noting that support is on its way for underserved townships.
“A lot of the folks we serve need a little bit of extra help accessing care, and these teams will help us make sure we can do that. So we are very, very excited that this means we can expand in Woolwich and in Wellesley and for once, bring a clinic to Wilmot.”
“KW4 ONT (Ontario Health Team) is proud of the strong trust we have collectively built across providers and community partners in our region,” said Dr. Heather Bullock, the executive director of KW4 OHT.
“That foundation has allowed us to move quickly and collaboratively in designing and building a system that puts people first. The funding announced today will have a real and lasting impact on the people we serve, including more equitable access for marginalized populations who have historically faced barriers to care”, Bullock added.
The funds will be distributed through Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, Woolwich Community Health Centre and their KW4 ONT community partners.
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