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One Family Health Organization (FHO) located within the Town of Perth recently received an injection of funding from the provincial government as part of the province’s overall investment to connect people with primary health care teams.

This funding, which was allocated to the Perth Medical Clinic, will further support existing primary care teams in managing increased operational costs for facilities and supplies, and ensure timely access to services to a range of health care professionals including doctors, nurse practitioners, and more.

“We’re thrilled that the Province of Ontario has recognized the importance of family health care in Perth through the recent allocation of $3.1 million in funding towards the Perth Medical Clinic,” says Acting Mayor Ed McPherson.

Both the Perth Medical Clinic and Tay River Health Clinic applied for FHO funding and Town Council passed two resolutions last fall, supporting both their efforts to secure funding. Town Council recognizes that further, and equitable, improvements to primary healthcare are needed in order to support residents of Perth and the surrounding areas, and to alleviate pressures on the overburdened emergency room at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital. Council, along with senior staff, have been lobbying MPP John Jordan and Health Minister Sylvia Jones with requests to meet to solicit funding for all local FHOs and patients within the regional catchment area.

“While we’re grateful for the influx of much-needed healthcare funding to a portion of our community, we remain concerned about the inequity and continued lack of funding for over 10,000 patients in Perth and surrounding area,” says McPherson. “The Town strongly urges Minister Jones to reconsider this decision and provide funding to both of Perth’s Family Health Organizations. By funding all local FHOs, Perth will be another step closer to connecting all residents with primary care.”