WINDSOR, ONT. – Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) has unveiled plans to expand the services at its Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC), providing round-the-clock support for individuals facing mental health and addiction crises. The expansion, announced Tuesday in collaboration with key community partners, aims to improve access to care while alleviating pressures on emergency services.
The initiative, which involves the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Windsor Police Services, Essex-Windsor EMS, and Windsor Regional Hospital, will ensure that policing and EMS partners can now access the MHAUCC 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This will enable quicker transitions for individuals in crisis, connecting them with specialized mental health experts, while freeing up emergency responders to focus on high-priority incidents.
Addressing Critical Needs in the Community
“As Windsor-Essex’s specialty hospital, we are incredibly proud to stand alongside our partners to find innovative ways to reduce barriers, improve access to services, and provide the right resources to support our region’s most vulnerable populations,” said Bill Marra, President and CEO of HDGH.
The MHAUCC’s relocation in June was part of a broader strategy to enhance mental health and addiction services, and the expansion is seen as a direct response to system pressures and the growing need for timely intervention. “This proof of concept expansion is a significant step in our ongoing effort to support those who need it most,” Marra added.
Enhanced Care and Support
Once individuals are brought to the MHAUCC, they will be placed in a specialized stabilization unit, where four beds will be dedicated to supporting clients while they await initial assessments. HDGH staff, including Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), will provide immediate care, and connections to primary care services at the CMHA Health Centre can be arranged if needed.
“The partnership with healthcare professionals and subject matter experts allows us to provide an informed, effective response to people in crisis,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire. “These collaborations help reduce emergency department visits and lower the risk of negative interactions between police officers and individuals in distress.”
By offering an alternative to emergency department visits, emergency personnel can return to their duties more quickly, improving response times for critical calls and enhancing the efficiency of frontline operations.
Expanding Access to Crisis Services
Currently, walk-in crisis services are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for individuals experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis. Between June 24 and December 31 of last year, the MHAUCC served 943 clients, with 44 being transferred directly from the emergency department. This seamless transition process, enabled by the partnership, ensures that individuals receive the appropriate care in a timely manner.
Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, emphasized the importance of expanding these critical services: “Concurrent access to wraparound supports like primary care and case management ensures that those facing mental health and addiction challenges receive the right care at the right time.”
The expanded services aim to provide comprehensive support for individuals in crisis, promoting long-term recovery and reducing the strain on emergency healthcare systems in the Windsor-Essex region.
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