With the closest MRI machines in Owen Sound, London, Stratford and Strathroy, Huron County residents often travel significant distances for a life-changing scan. And under stressful, potentially life-changing circumstances.
In September 2025, priority four patients waited on average 360 days at London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital, 66 days at Stratford General Hospital and 52 days at Brightshores Health System in Owen Sound for an MRI.
We want to change that.
Our Vision for 2027
With approval from the Government of Ontario, Alexandra Marine & General Hospital is aiming to have its MRI machine operational by 2027. But we need the magnetic pull of our community to make this happen.
Led by Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer and a team of dedicated community leaders and champions, we've launched an ambitious two-year Magnetic Moments capital campaign to raise $6,500,000 and strengthen healthcare in Huron County.
Two-year capital campaign to bring MRI services to Huron County
Why an MRI at AMGH Matters
Three compelling reasons to bring MRI services to Huron County
Expanded Services
Adding an MRI broadens the range of services available to AMGH's patients, allows patients to speak with in-house specialists close to home, helps attract healthcare professionals to the hospital, and ensures AMGH continues to be a leading healthcare provider within the region.
Growing Community Needs
We also know that new residents are flocking to our area, many of whom are retiring in the region, and therefore have specific healthcare needs, often including MRI requests. In fact, Huron County is unique in that while the population is growing, a higher percentage of the population is older when compared to the rest of the province.
Expert Care
Being rural does not mean we do not have access to experts. AMGH is in the fortunate position to already be engaged with a group of MRI-trained radiologists, with London X-Ray Associates partnering with AMGH since 2007. AMGH is part of the Southwestern Ontario Diagnostic Imaging Network's regional Picture Archiving and Communication System with most of the digital images read remotely.
Top 5 Reasons to Support the MRI
Neither Huron nor Bruce Counties have an MRI
With the closest MRI machines in Owen Sound, London, Stratford and Strathroy, Huron County residents often travel significant distances for a life-changing scan. This can sometimes be under stressful, potentially life-changing circumstances – living with back pain or anxiously awaiting testing for cancer. Some are socioeconomically disadvantaged and can't afford to travel those distances, so they go without. Let's change this together.
Regional wait times for MRI scans far exceed Ontario Health recommendations
According to Ontario Health's October 2025 reports, Priority 4 patients should be scanned within a target time of 28 days. But the reality is that in October 2025, Priority 4 patients waited on average:
- 331 days at London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital
- 74 days at St. Joseph's Health Care in London
- 71 days at Stratford General Hospital
- 70 days at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital
- 56 days at Brightshores Health System in Owen Sound
The average wait is 104 days for Priority 4 patients in Ontario, according to the provincial average shared by Ontario Health.
We are confident that by adding another MRI site we can make a difference not only locally, but for the whole region.
An MRI makes for a more attractive regional healthcare facility
Adding an MRI broadens the range of services available locally, ensuring that AMGH continues to be a leading healthcare provider within the region. An MRI in Huron County will give inpatients faster access to scans, allow hospitals to avoid costly transfers and help attract healthcare professionals to the hospital.
An MRI will help us meet the needs of our county's changing demographics
New residents are flocking to our area, many coming to live out their retirement years here. That means that more and more residents are in the period of their lives with the highest need for health care services. This demographic will often need MRIs for age-related changes in the spine, for the staging of certain cancers, for evaluation of strokes and many other indications. In fact, Huron County is unique in that while the population is growing, a higher percentage of the population here is older when compared to the rest of the province.
We are building something new – this is an opportunity to make history together!
The community is engaged – they want to pitch in and be a part of this exciting new venture. Early support for the campaign indicates that the community believes in the value of this cause. Past donors are increasing their year-end giving since the campaign launch in early December and new donors are giving gifts of all sizes.
Beyond our staff and medical team at AMGH, the hospital is already engaged with a group of MRI-trained radiologists: London X-Ray Associates have been partnering with AMGH since 2007 for our x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds. All 23 of their radiologists signed the letter of support when submitting our proposal to the Government of Ontario.
Join the Magnetic Moments movement that's pulling our community together
Perhaps you too are experiencing the frustration of waiting, often in pain for a test that may also require travelling long distances. Or know someone who needed life-changing clarity at a critical moment. Maybe you want to ensure our neighbours have access to healthcare right here at home.
Whatever pulls you in to give, let's create the movement that's pulling our community together.
Donate Now
How To Give
How to Give to the Magnetic Moments Campaign
Support for the Magnetic Moments Campaign can be made in a variety of ways, allowing donors to give in a manner that is meaningful and convenient for them. Every gift regardless of size or structure helps bring MRI care closer to home for the residents of Huron County.
Outright Gifts
Donors may make a one-time cash gift to the campaign. Outright gifts provide immediate impact and help advance the project efficiently.
Pledges
Pledges may be fulfilled over a period of up to five years, allowing donors to maximize their support through structured, multi-year giving. It stabilizes funding for the funding needs of AMGH.
Gifts of Publicly Traded Securities
Gifts of publicly traded stocks or securities can offer significant tax advantages while making a meaningful contribution to the campaign. These gifts may be transferred directly to the Foundation through our investment team. Donations of publicly traded securities may eliminate capital gains tax and qualify for a charitable tax receipt at fair market value. Planned gifts may also provide tax benefits. Receipts issued in accordance with CRA guidelines.
Planned Gifts
Planned giving options—such as bequests in a will, gifts of life insurance, or other estate gifts—allow donors to support the Magnetic Moments Campaign while meeting personal, family, and financial goals. These gifts can provide significant tax benefits and create a lasting legacy that supports local health care for future generations.
In-Kind Gifts
In-kind contributions of goods or services that directly support the campaign may also be accepted, subject to Foundation approval.
Donors are encouraged to consult with their professional advisors when considering tax-efficient or planned gifts.
Create a Magnetic Moment for the MRI
Some moments change everything—the moment a diagnosis becomes clearer, the moment treatment begins sooner, the moment patients can stay close to home for the care they need. These are Magnetic Moments, and right now, our community has the opportunity to help create them.
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital is raising $6.5 million to bring a new MRI to our community, giving patients faster access to critical imaging, reducing wait times, and eliminating the need to travel far from home during already difficult moments.
By starting a fundraiser in support of the MRI campaign, you can turn your passion into impact. Whether you host a small gathering, plan a workplace initiative, or organize a community event, every dollar raised brings us closer to this essential piece of equipment.
When you invite friends, family, and neighbours to give, you're offering them the chance to be part of something powerful—helping deliver timely diagnoses, better care, and peace of mind for thousands of patients each year.
Download Fundraising Handbook
Campaign Cabinet
Meet the dedicated community leaders driving the Magnetic Moments Campaign forward
Campaign Ambassadors
Dedicated community champions spreading the word and building support for the MRI campaign
Meet the Team
Our dedicated staff supporting the Magnetic Moments Campaign
See the Impact
Hear from community members, healthcare professionals, and campaign leaders about why bringing an MRI to Huron County matters
Our Community in Action
Moments that matter, bringing us together
Be Part of Something Magnetic
Magnetic moments don't just happen; they're built by people who believe in what's possible. We've created them before, and with the right energy, we can build something even greater. Let's do this together.