Healthcare Initiatives

Healthcare Recruitment

In collaboration with Memory Tree, we embarked on an innovative initiative to address the pressing issue of physician shortages in the area. This joint effort aims to attract new healthcare professionals to our area by showcasing its healthcare facilities and the growing needs of the population through a compelling video presentation.

Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre

The Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) is a health service that helps Prescott and Russell residents access care quickly for non-urgent health concerns.

This service is intended for people:

• who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner; or
• who cannot get an appointment quickly enough with their regular provider.

Appointments are offered with a community paramedic and/or a nurse practitioner, from Monday to Friday, at clinics located in Bourget, Casselman, Hawkesbury, and Rockland, as well as virtually, based on needs.

To access the service and to book an appointment, please call 1-800-240-5581.

You can visit their website for more information at www.cupr-ucpr.com/vtac.

Physician Recruitment Incentive Program

Russell Township is proud to join SDG Counties in the Great River Docs campaign. This initiative is designed to help attract physicians to the region.

Russell Township is offering two $5,000 cash incentives to eligible applicants who sign an employment contract within the Township. For more information or to apply, please contact Department of Economic and Community Development.

Eligibility Criteria

The program opens on April 16, 2026. As part of the 2026 budget, two $5,000 signing bursaries are available for eligible candidates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participation is open only to individuals who:

• Are eligible to work as a physician within Russell Township; and
• Are not currently working as a physician within the Township of Russell as of January 2024.

The bursary will be awarded directly to the selected candidate. Half of the bursary will be provided upon signing an employment contract within the Township and completion of the required paperwork. The remaining half will be issued after six months of employment within the Township of Russell.

Please note that the bursary may be subject to applicable taxes.

Ontario Health Team Discord Server

The Great River Region of Eastern Ontario has joined the Healthcare Infusions community by creating a dedicated online space using Notion and Discord. This platform is designed to connect with healthcare professionals in the United States who may be interested in living and working in our region.

The goal is to provide a welcoming and informative space where potential recruits can ask questions and hear directly from individuals who know our community, our healthcare system, and what it’s like to live and work in Eastern Ontario.

For more information