The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway CERH) in Goderich is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education, and community engagement. Partnering with post-secondary institutions and local healthcare providers, Gateway leads programs in mental health, aging in place, rural resilience, and health workforce development.

Founded in 2008 with the help of Community Futures Huron (CFH), Gateway began with strong community collaboration. CFH played a key role in forming the first board of directors and managing over $1 million in seed funding from public and private donors — support that helped launch long-term partnerships with institutions such as Western University and the University of Waterloo.

Today, Gateway continues to grow through initiatives like the Skilled Healthcare Attraction and Retention Program (SHARP), funded in part through the Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) Program, which helps attract and train healthcare professionals for rural communities. Other impactful projects include BRAVE-F (cardiovascular screening for volunteer firefighters), Mental Health First Aid, and Farmers Safety & Well-Being.

Through its ongoing partnership with Community Futures Huron, Gateway CERH continues to advance rural healthcare, empower students and professionals, and strengthen the well-being of communities across Huron County.