Mississippi River Health Alliance

09/04/2026

LANARK COUNTY FEMALE FIRST RESPONDERS CAMP RETURNS THIS FALL TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF PARAMEDICS, FIREFIGHTERS AND MORE

Young women across Lanark County will have the opportunity to gain hands-on emergency response experience and explore careers as first responders this fall as the Lanark County Female First Responders Camp returns for another year.

The two-day immersive program, open to all self-identifying females between the ages of 15 and 21 who live in Lanark County, will take place Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Perth Fire Services, 1881 Rogers Rd.

According to a release from the Town of Carleton Place, the annual camp is designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and career awareness, while introducing participants to the realities of working in emergency services with hands-on training led by local first responders.

The camp is supported by various emergency service agencies from across the region, including Lanark County Fire Departments, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), Smiths Falls Police Service, the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Throughout the weekend, participants will learn how to use personal protective equipment, perform basic first aid and CPR, manage emergency scenes, and take part in activities such as vehicle extrication and search-and-rescue exercises.

In addition to learning practical emergency response skills, participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other professionals in the field, giving them a unique inside look at emergency services careers, while building relationships with local mentors.

Organizers say they hope the camp encourages more young women to consider careers in emergency services by providing a supportive environment where they can learn, develop practical skills, and gain confidence.

By: Lanarkist

09/04/2026

🚒🚑🚓 Could a career as a first responder be in your future?

Registration is now open for the 2026 Lanark County Female First Responders Camp!

Taking place October 16 & 17, this FREE two-day camp gives young women the opportunity to step into the world of emergency services and gain hands-on experience in:

🔥 Firefighting
🚑 Paramedic Services
🚓 Law Enforcement

Participants will learn alongside local first responders, experience different aspects of these exciting careers firsthand, and discover where a future in emergency services could take them.

📅 October 16 & 17, 2026
📍 Lanark County
🙋‍♀️ Open to self-identifying females ages 15–21 who reside in Lanark County
💲 FREE to participate

**Registration is now open!** Scan the QR code or visit www.perth.ca to register.

Know a young woman who would love this experience? Please share this post and help us spread the word!

09/03/2026

🩻 We’re hiring an Ultrasonographer!

Almonte General Hospital is looking for a skilled and compassionate Ultrasonographer to join our Diagnostic Imaging team in a permanent part-time position.

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a community hospital where you can work alongside a dedicated team and make a meaningful difference for patients and families close to home.

📍 Almonte General Hospital
🩻 Permanent Part-Time
💲 $40.88–$52.18/hour

Applicants must be registered with Sonography Canada and able to perform obstetrical ultrasounds. Experience in vascular ultrasound is considered an asset.

Interested, or know an Ultrasonographer who might be a great fit?

We’d love your help spreading the word!

Learn more and apply today:
https://www.mrha.ca/hr?job=3449

08/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Christiane (Chris) Deschenes on August 7, 2026.

Chris moved to Almonte in 1981 and became one of the community’s first female physicians. During an extraordinary 43 years of service at Almonte General Hospital, she served three terms as Chief of Staff, worked countless hours in our Emergency Department, provided obstetrical care, performed numerous surgical assists, and cared for generations of patients and families in our community.

Her dedication to her patients and the Almonte community was extraordinary.

In her honour, the flag at Almonte General Hospital will be lowered to half-mast from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.

Chris will be deeply missed by our staff, colleagues, patients, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her compassion, dedication, friendship, and commitment to the Almonte community have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Our deepest condolences go to her husband Roger, her family, friends, and all who loved her. We are profoundly grateful for the many years she gave to our hospital and our community. 💙

08/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Christiane (Chris) Deschenes on August 7, 2026.

Chris moved to Almonte in 1981 and became one of the community’s first female physicians. During an extraordinary 43 years of service at Almonte General Hospital, she served three terms as Chief of Staff, worked countless hours in our Emergency Department, provided obstetrical care, performed numerous surgical assists, and cared for generations of patients and families in our community.

Her dedication to her patients and the Almonte community was extraordinary.

In her honour, the flag at Almonte General Hospital will be lowered to half-mast from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.

Chris will be deeply missed by our staff, colleagues, patients, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her compassion, dedication, friendship, and commitment to the Almonte community have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Our deepest condolences go to her husband Roger, her family, friends, and all who loved her. We are profoundly grateful for the many years she gave to our hospital and our community. 💙

For those wishing to learn more about Chris's life or Celebration of Life: https://millstonenews.com/deschenes-chesser-christiane-chris-obituary/

08/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Christiane (Chris) Deschenes on August 7, 2026.

Chris moved to Almonte in 1981 and became one of the community's first female physicians. Over 39 years as a beloved family physician, and 43 years of service at Almonte General Hospital, she served three terms as Chief of Staff, worked countless hours in our Emergency Department, provided obstetrical care, and performed numerous surgical assists.

Her dedication to her patients and this community was extraordinary.

In her honour, the flag at Almonte General Hospital will be lowered to half-mast from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.

Chris will be deeply missed by our staff, colleagues, patients, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her compassion, dedication, and commitment to the Almonte community have left a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Our deepest condolences go to her husband Roger, her family, friends, and all who loved her. We are profoundly grateful for the many years she gave to our hospital and our community. 💙

For those wishing to learn more about Chris's life or Celebration of Life: https://millstonenews.com/deschenes-chesser-christiane-chris-obituary/

08/21/2026

06/25/2026

06/25/2026

💙 A simple idea, inspired by lived experience, has become a meaningful gift for families experiencing perinatal loss at Almonte General Hospital.

Inspired by Jennifer Thompson's own experience of loss and brought to life through The Souls Nest, students from Almonte District High School - UCDSB's construction and art programs created handcrafted memory boxes for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.

Each box offers a special place to hold treasured keepsakes: photographs, footprints, handprints, hospital bracelets, letters, and other precious mementos that honour babies who were deeply loved.

This beautiful initiative is a reminder of the impact a community can have when compassion inspires action. Our heartfelt thanks to Jennifer, The Souls Nest, the students, educators, and everyone who helped make this meaningful project possible.

🕊 Because every baby deserves to be remembered.

More details here: https://www.mrha.ca/newsroom?newsid=403

06/24/2026

Please join us in welcoming the 2026–2027 MRHA Allied Boards of Directors.

Our volunteer Board Directors provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction in support of high-quality healthcare across Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, Fairview Manor, and Lanark County Paramedic Service.

We thank these dedicated community volunteers for their service, leadership, and commitment to healthcare close to home.