Rideau Community Health Services is commemorating its 50th anniversary in 2024, reflecting on a half-century of dedicated service to our communities.
Established in 1974 as the Merrickville District Medical Centre and later recognized as Ontario's first rural Community Health Centre in 1984, RCHS has grown steadily over the last 50 years in regard to the diversity of programs and services offered as well as the geography served. In 1999, a new building was opened in Merrickville, and in 2005, the first satellite location was opened in Smiths Falls. Since then, RCHS has continued to expand and opened additional locations in Brockville and Perth.
RCHS currently supports many partner locations across Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville, and delivers a wide variety of programs and services including primary care, diabetes education, chiropody, social work, nutrition counselling, telemedicine, lung health, and numerous community health promotion and disease prevention programs in support of the health and wellbeing of our communities.
As we approach our planning for our golden jubilee year, we are seeking input from our community members and clients. We encourage you to share your experiences and stories about how Rideau Community Health Services has impacted your life and health over the years. Your insights contribute to the collective narrative of our enduring connection with the communities we serve. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@rideauchs.ca with your stories and your experiences.