Research into Building a Community Coalition for Life Limiting Illness in Huron-Perth

Older Adult Waiting, Media from WIX

Huron and Perth Counties are on average older than the general Ontarian population. Over 25% of Huron County’s population is over the age of 65. As a person ages, they require more supports. Availability of these supports in rural communities can be strained from the distance to services and limited access to primary care. 

Webinar – Building a Community Coalition for Life Limiting Illness in Huron-Perth 

On November 4^th, 2025, Gateway CERH hosted a ZOOM webinar on “Building a Community Coalition for Life Limiting Illness in Huron-Perth" 

The keynote presenter is Dr. Erin Donald. Dr. Donald joined Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) as the Chair of Equity and Access in Rural Palliative Care.  They were joined by Willy Van Klooster, Executive Director of the Huron Hospice, and Stephanie Hartwick, Executive Director of the MacKay Centre for Seniors.  

This presentation resulted from research by Dr. Donald on how to improve the wellbeing of those who are experiencing life-limiting illness in Huron and Perth Counties. During the webinar Dr. Donald introduced the “palliative approach” that guided their investigation.  

They discussed the various community organizations and healthcare sites they interviewed on what projects they saw a need for within the community. Key areas highlighted were transportation, food security, and the provision of up-to-date information. These findings can lead to actionable steps for promoting health and wellbeing for those experiencing life-limiting illness. 

The project was generously funded from the Huron Hospice and Jessica’s House Hospice 

Watch the full webinar on YouTube: 

Gateway CERH has previously had the welcomed Dr. Erin Donald for a presentation on “Predicting & Planning for End-of-Life Care.”  

About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health 

Founded in 2008 in the community of Seaforth, ON, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube  

A brief disclaimer: the views expressed in these lectures may not necessarily reflect Gateway CERH’s views or opinions, but we believe in providing a platform for a range of perspectives and thoughtful discussion. 

Gateway CERH has a full library of lectures and information about the upcoming presentation that can be found on our website: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/lectureseries  

Or watch all past lecture online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GatewayCERH/videos