By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
A new cardiac care clinic is coming to the Blenheim Health Hub thanks to the community’s whole “hearted” support.
The announcement, unveiled at the centre last week, follows on the heels of a successful holiday fundraising campaign. Dubbed the “Gift that Keeps on Giving,” the effort raised $104,000 – money that will be used to retrofit space within the hub to house the Capture Health clinic.
The fundraiser, put on by the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation, featured a giant present on the building’s front lawn. Each time an individual or business made a donation, a piece of wrapping paper was removed to reveal the gift underneath.
In speaking about the cardiac care service – the community’s gift – foundation chair Ed O’Brien stressed that every dollar counted.
“At this time of year, we always say that giving is better than receiving,” O’Brien told the gathering. “What this campaign showed us, is that when a community comes together, we get to do both.
“Every donation – no matter the size – brought us one step closer to the future of health care,” he said, adding the successful fundraiser and opening of the new clinic is an example of what’s possible when “we invest in our community.”
Rob Butler, CEO of Windsor Heart Institute/Capture Health, said his organization has been “deeply inspired” by the commitment and generosity of the Blenheim community.
“We are excited to be part of the future of health care in Blenheim and to work alongside the Health Hub to bring high-quality cardiovascular care closer to home. This initiative reflects what is possible when a community and its health-care partners share a common vision, and we are honoured to be a part of it. That’s both rare and inspiring.”
Blenheim’s Capture Health clinic is the sixth clinic the organization will operate in Southwestern Ontario. When it launches in the spring, Capture Health will offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and consultive services, including 2D and stress echocardiograms; Holter monitoring; 24-hour automatic blood pressure monitoring; EKG or ECG tests; virtual cardiologist consultations; and on-site internal medicine consultations.
It means South Kent residents will be able to access critical services close to home, supporting earlier diagnoses and ongoing management of cardiovascular conditions.
Dr. Andrew Lanz-O’Brien, a health foundation board member, said landing the cardio clinic is part of the goal of bringing specialized services to South Kent.
“We wanted to bring services that might not traditionally find their way to a smaller area like this,” Lanz-O’Brien said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
Located at 2 Hyland Dr. in Blenheim, the 26,000 sq.-foot, Health Hub was officially opened in September 2025. Destined to be a one-stop health-care shop, the facility, formerly housing The Andersons agri-business, was donated to the foundation by Peter and Annie Timmermans.
All other funds to get the project off the ground were raised through donations.
