Honouring Dr. Leonardo "Len" Cortese

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Leonardo “Len” Cortese on Friday, June 12, 2026. Dr. Cortese’s final moments found him surrounded by family and friends.

Dr. Cortese retired from Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in July 2024 after over 20 years of devotion to support brain health of the Windsor-Essex Community and beyond. He was an integral member of our HDGH team and a passionate advocate for his patients. From the very beginning, Dr. Cortese demonstrated a profound commitment to elevating the standard of mental health care in our community. His legacy lives on at HDGH through the ground breaking work in establishing the Wellness Program for Extended Psychosis (W-PEP), which ultimately led to the opening of the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute.

Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Cortese organized the Big Night Gala in 2003, a fundraising event that has had a transformative impact on programs and services at HDGH. What started as an event to support W-PEP programming has since expanded to encompass Adult Mental Health, Children's Mental Health, and Addictions programming, thanks to Dr. Cortese's unwavering dedication and insight.

Dr. Cortese’s legacy will live on well into the future; his impact on our hospital, his patients, all those who worked alongside him, and our entire community, will not soon be forgotten.

Please keep Dr. Cortese’s family and loved ones in your thoughts as they navigate this loss and continue to take care of yourselves and each other.

HDGH Annual Report 2025-2026

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Annual Report is here! Featuring introductory letters from our organization and Foundation leaders, financial statements, organizational statistics, and key highlights and stories from the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

This past year at HDGH has been one of remarkable progress, innovation, and steadfast commitment to the individuals and families we serve. Guided by our Mission, Vision, and Values, we continue to walk alongside our patients, clients, families, and community, offering not only care, but hope, healing, and human connection.

We invite you to celebrate in these successes by viewing the HDGH Annual Report 2025-2026 – live now on the HDGH website: www.hdgh.org/AnnualReport2526  

To our employees, professional staff, volunteers, patients, clients, families, and community partners—thank you. It is through your trust, generosity, and shared commitment that we are able to continue this life-changing work.

The Kindness in Accessibility

Ashley Morencie is a Speech-Language Pathologist with HDGH's Rehab Outreach Team - supporting patients with their rehab needs in the comfort of their home or community setting.

In her work, Ashley is passionate about supporting patients who are experiencing Communication Disorders. Through specialized tools, increased awareness, and kindness, she hopes to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place for these individuals. Read more in our June blog.

Celebrating the Launch of BPSO at HDGH

We are excited to share the success of the recent launch of our Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative at HDGH! The event was a fantastic start to this important journey, with many staff members – and even some HDGH visitors – stopping by the information booth to learn more, ask questions, and show their support. The level of interest and engagement we saw truly reflects the strong commitment across our organization to advancing evidence-based practice.

The launch saw enthusiastic participation in our BPSO quiz, with employees testing their BPSO knowledge.

As we build momentum, we want to recognize the critical role of BPSO Champions. These individuals will help lead and inspire best practice implementation across our organization. We extend a sincere thank you to the 30 employees who have already stepped forward—your leadership and dedication are invaluable.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a successful launch. Together, we are strengthening a culture of excellence and continuous improvement at HDGH.

Stepping Forward Together: HDGH’s Donate Your Kicks Campaign Makes an Impact Year after Year

Patients at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) are stepping into brighter, stronger futures thanks to the incredible success of this year’s Donate Your Kicks Campaign. With more than 200 pairs of new and gently used running shoes collected, the initiative continues to highlight the powerful impact of community generosity on patient care and recovery.

For many patients, access to appropriate footwear can be a barrier. The Donate Your Kicks Campaign helps remove that obstacle while empowering individuals to focus on what matters most: their recovery journey. Whether patients are relearning to walk, building strength, or working toward mobility goals, having supportive, well-fitting shoes can make all the difference. These donated shoes will be provided to patients in need, helping ensure they can complete their rehabilitation programs safely, comfortably, and effectively.

The success of this year’s campaign would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our community partners, HDGH employees, and visitors. Several local organizations stepped up to host their own collection drives, amplifying the reach and impact of this initiative.

We extend our sincere thanks to:

• The Running Factory – Manager Kristy Ireland
• Riverside Physiotherapy – Troy Sajatovich, PT
• Loaring Physiotherapy – Wesley Bellmore, PT
• Willow Health Center (Chatham) – Tegan Vermey, PT
• Erie Shores Rehabilitation (Kingsville) – Roberta Weston, PT

Their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting patient care helped ensure the campaign’s continued success.

In addition, a special thank you goes to HDGH volunteer Simona Brezeanu, whose hard work and attention to detail made a meaningful difference. Simona personally cleaned, sorted, and organized more than 200 pairs of shoes, ensuring each pair is ready to support a patient’s recovery journey.

The Donate Your Kicks Campaign is more than just a collection drive; it’s a reflection of the compassion and collaboration that defines our community. Each pair of shoes represents not only practical support but also encouragement, dignity, and hope for those working toward better health.

As we celebrate another successful year, we thank everyone who contributed and helped patients take important steps forward. Together, we are making a tangible difference, one step at a time.

For more than two decades, The Safety Village in Windsor’s East-End has helped generations of children and families learn essential lessons about safety, well-being, and community care. The vision of the Safety Village closely aligns with that of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community – our children – ensuring they have the tools they need to lead healthy and safe lives.

When long-standing supporter of HDGH’s Palliative Care Unit, the Zekelman Foundation, approached our organization to support the revitalized Safety Village, we were thrilled to take part.

As part of this refreshed community landmark, a miniature HDGH building brings a meaningful and educational focus on healthcare into the Village experience. Thanks to support through the HDGH Foundation, young visitors will now have the opportunity to explore the role of hospitals and healthcare services, gaining age-appropriate insight into physical and mental health. A particular emphasis will be placed on the vital services offered through HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre, helping reduce stigma and increase awareness around children’s mental health in a supportive and engaging environment.

This initiative reflects the evolving needs of the community. While The Safety Village has long been known for teaching practical lessons such as fire safety, road awareness, and personal responsibility, the addition of a healthcare lens ensures that children also understand the importance of emotional well-being and where to turn for support. It is a powerful way to normalize conversations about mental health from an early age.

HDGH’s connection to The Safety Village runs deep. When the Village originally opened, HDGH’s President and CEO, Bill Marra, played an active role on the Board of Directors, helping guide its early development. In addition, Barb Sebben, former Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation, supported the project through her involvement in fundraising efforts. Their leadership and advocacy helped establish a strong foundation that continues to benefit the community today.

The launch of the Zekelman Safety Village is not just a renewal, it is a reinvigoration of a cherished community asset. With modern enhancements and expanded programming, the Village continues to embody the idea that education, prevention, and collaboration are key to keeping children safe.

At its heart, this partnership reflects a shared belief: it truly takes a village to raise a child. By working together with community partners, educators, families, and organizations like HDGH, the Zekelman Safety Village stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when a community invests in its youngest members.

HDGH and the HDGH Foundation are proud to be part of that village—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Charity Golf Classic Event a Success

The 2026 Charity Golf Classic presented by Ground Effects raised an incredible $110,000 in support of programs and services right here at HDGH!

On May 25, Essex Golf & Country Club played host to a sold-out day of golf and genuine community spirit.

It was a beautiful reminder of how our community cares about the work we do.

The funds raised will directly enhance patient care, and support programs that make such a difference across our organization. In other words.... this is for you, and for the people you serve.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and community partners who continue to invest in local healthcare.

At the heart of it all is the work taking place inside these walls daily - and that is what inspires so many individuals to give so generously.

Events like this are a true reflection of the care and dedication you show up with every single day, and it means more than words can say.

Community Care Fairs

Members of our Mental Health and Addictions teams joined various community partners at the recent Community Care Fair in the Glengarry neighbourhood.

These Care Fairs aim to connect residents in challenged areas of our community with local resources and information to support their unique health and social concerns.