“The organization’s purpose is to ensure sustainable health care through the provision of facilities that attract and retain health care providers and to support the residents of South-Kent and broader Chatham-Kent, with a centralized hub of comprehensive and integrated health and wellness programs and services,” a statement from BMHF read.

A 26,000 square foot building, located at 2 Hyland Drive, had been purchased by a donor.

On Thursday, the organization announced that the building was being donated by local couple Annie and Peter Timmermans, allowing for fundraising money to be used for purposes other than buying the building.

“I was emotional and elated that a family could feel that strongly towards funding for the betterment of the Community,” Ed O’Brien, Chair of the BMHF said of the Timmermans’ gift.

“Our goal now is to renovate and equip this great building to have a viable, strong healthcare presence in the community for now and the future,” O’Brien added.

The renovations will include creating waiting areas, exam rooms, a pharmacy, a laboratory, and a diagnostic imaging space. “We want to create a warm and inviting space throughout the building with ease of flow to one service from the other,” the organization said of their vision.

Mental health care services will also be offered at location.

BMHF noted that putting all of the services in one place is “great for our patients with limited transportation and mobility.”

It’s believed that there will be enough space at the Health Hub for new resident physicians, medical students, nursing students, and other trainees.

The Chatham-Kent region is approximately 33 family doctors short for the population. Blenheim specifically has five physicians, with retirements on the horizon.

“One of our many goals is to raise funds to entice our own kids to enter the health care profession and come home to practice here in Blenheim,” The organization said.

O’Brien believes the Health Hub will be a game changer for the area adding that the organizations plans are very ambitious.

“We hope to have further announcements in early 2024,” he noted.