Relieving Severe Financial Hardship

The HDGH Benevolent Fund provides critical support to patients facing temporary financial hardship, enabling them to access necessary equipment and comfort items that aid in their recovery.

Through generous community donations, the fund helps patients regain independence by covering the cost of specialized equipment like slide boards and offloading boots, as well as everyday essentials like mattresses. A notable example is a young client at the Regional Children’s Centre, who was assisted with transportation to maintain their education and treatment. Every donation goes directly toward supporting patients in need.

End-of-Year Reflection: Celebrating Our Achievements and Looking Ahead

This month, we are thrilled to share a special blog post featuring insights from our President and CEO, Bill Marra! He has taken the time to reflect on the successes we've achieved over the past year at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare – a year filled with overcoming obstacles and making significant strides in advancing programs and services at HDGH.

"As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the incredible moments we’ve shared at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare this past year.

We have experienced a journey of growth, resilience, and community spirit. I want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements together and extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you—our dedicated staff and physicians, compassionate volunteers, community partners, and the Windsor-Essex community for their support."

To read the full End-Of-Year reflection and relived the successes of this past year, please click the button below.

HDGH Annual Big Night Fundraiser Exceeds Expectations, Raising over $134,000

This past month, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) hosted our much-anticipated Big Party Fundraiser. The evening was a great success, raising over $134,000! 

The event began with a special candle lighting ceremony in honour of Dr. Brian Burke, Ruel Hufano and Rob Lenarduzzi performed by their friends and family. Thank you to the TNI team members that were in attendance to assist.

The Foundation team was overwhelmed with the generous support of party guests. This year’s table challenge sought to fund new mattresses for TNI patients with a goal of raising $6,500. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we far surpassed that goal, raising an impressive $25,000!  These funds will go directly toward enhancing the comfort and care of our patients by providing them with new, high-quality mattresses during their stay at HDGH.

The event was made even more special by the inspiring words of former Team Canada Women's Hockey goalie, Kendra Fisher, who took the stage to share her personal mental health journey. Her heartfelt speech encouraged everyone in the room to disregard the stigma surrounding mental health and to seek help when needed. Her courage and openness resonated deeply with all who attended.

The organizing committee would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and contributed to making this night a resounding success. Your support will make a tangible difference in the lives of our patients, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity.

Tree Of Lights Has Kicked Off

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) launched its annual Tree of Lights campaign, marking a wonderful turnout. The event began with a beautiful performance by the Salvation Army Band, followed by the St. Angela Choir, who delighted the audience with renditions of beloved Christmas classics.

The Ken Lewenza lobby was filled with both HDGH staff and community members, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. It was truly a sight to behold, reflecting the tremendous support for this meaningful initiative. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the staff who participated in the ceremony, celebrating their loved ones and contributing to the success of this event.

To take part in this event and make a donation, please visit the webpage link at the button below.

Annual Mental Health Symposium

HDGH staff presented to the St. Clair College 2^nd year Registered Practical Nursing students at the 2^nd Annual Mental Health Symposium. Frontline and administrative staff from various HDGH Mental Health and Addiction programs participated in the two day event on November 5^th and 8^th. They shared information on mental health and addictions services and programs. They showcased opportunities that HDGH has within nursing mental health and addictions.



The Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective

"The Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective”, hosted by The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and the Inter-Faith Group of Windsor and Essex County is an event brought together faith leaders from various traditions to explore the spiritual aspect of end-of-life care, with the aim of fostering understanding and compassion across different belief systems. Through presentations and open discussions, perspectives were shared on how to best support patients and families during one of life’s most pivotal moments.

On October 27th, our very own Olfat Sakr was blessed with the opportunity to participate at Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective. Initially invited to present the Muslim perspective on end of life, her visit ended up coming with many other positives.

She enjoyed, and benefitted from, listening to other faith leaders share their perspective on end of life and how to care for patients and their families. However, what she appreciated the most was listening to attendees’ reflections after we were done presenting. An imam weaved a thread that connected each faith tradition to his own based on what each speaker shared, beautifully summarizing the presentations and drawing our attention to what the different faith traditions have in common. Another attendee, a retired nurse, expressed appreciation for the open discussions that we had during the symposium “there is so much division right now, I am very grateful to be in a space where there is openness to learn from one another in order to support each other and to celebrate our common humanity.” May we always see, and honor, each other’s humanity.



Annual Geriatric Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Geriatric Conference set to take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025! This event explores medical topics relevant to the day-to-day practice of community family physicians. Early bird registration opens Friday, December 13, 2024.

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Reminds the Windsor-Essex Community about Mental Health and Addictions Support Available this Holiday Season

The holiday season, while often seen as a time of joy and togetherness, can also bring unique challenges to those struggling with mental health and addictions. More often than not, the holidays are coupled with external pressures, whether it is financial stress, family dynamics, or feelings of loneliness or grief, these factors can weigh heavy on individuals.

Today, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Windsor-Essex’s specialty hospital is reminding individuals that support is available in Windsor-Essex for anyone struggling with their mental health. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or addiction, there are several resources available to support the community.

Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC)

The MHAUCC is intended for those individuals aged 16 years or older who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis and cannot safely wait for community mental health and addiction support.

Services available at the MHAUCC include:

• Crisis Walk-in Services available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week – including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
• 24-hour, 7 days a week Crisis Telephone Line: 519.973.4435

Location: 1030 Ouellette Ave., adjacent to the Goyeau Street entrance of Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus Emergency Department

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact community crisis services at 519-973-4435 or go to your nearest emergency department.

A person should go to the emergency department if experiencing:

• Acutely suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour
• Substance-related Intoxication
• Acute Psychosis
• Possible medical issues
• Severe alcohol dependency
• Aggressive or violent behaviour with risk to others

Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) – Starting Point Counselling Walk-In Clinic

The RCC Counselling Clinic provides quick, confidential access to mental health services for children, youth (up to the age of 18) and their families/guardians. The RCC Counselling Clinic is available by calling 519.257.KIDS (5437) or visiting in person to 3901 Connaught Ave, Windsor.

Holiday Hours:

• December 18^th – 23^rd – Regular hours - Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
• December 24^th 8:00 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
• December 25^th and 26^th – CLOSED
• December 27^th, 30^th, 31^st - 8:00 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
• January 1^st – CLOSED
• January 2^nd – Regular hours resume - Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

If the child or youth is at immediate risk to harm self or others, please proceed to the Emergency Department at:

• Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus (under the age of 16), 1995 Lens Avenue, Windsor, ON
• Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette Campus (over the age of 16), 1030 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, ON
• Erie Shores Healthcare - 194 Talbot Street West, Leamington, ON (all ages)

Mental Health and Police Teams

HDGH, in partnership with local and provincial police, have several Mental Health police teams developed to address the gap in the continuum of existing community crisis services. These specialized teams, consisting of a mental health crisis worker partnered with a specially trained officer work in the community providing intervention to individuals who are in severe distress, or who are experiencing a mental health crisis and whose needs are not being effectively met through the justice system or the health sector. To learn more about a Mental Health Police Team in your community, please visit: https://www.hdgh.org/mentalhealthandpoliceteams

Through a variety of resources, HDGH has highly trained professional, compassionate staff ready to support you or your loved one. Don’t struggle alone, reach out to one of our programs to support you this holiday season.

The following is an open letter to the Windsor-Essex County community from Bill Marra, President and CEO, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

In recent years, the debate surrounding involuntary treatment for individuals with mental health and addiction issues has gained significant attention. A comprehensive examination of the evidence reveals that involuntary treatment is often not considered a best practice model in mental health care.

Several key points support this position:

1. Lack of Evidence for Effectiveness: Studies indicate that involuntary treatment does not yield better long-term outcomes compared to voluntary treatment. A systematic review published in *Psychological Medicine* (2017) highlighted that while involuntary treatment may stabilize patients temporarily, it often fails to produce enduring improvements in mental health or reduction in substance use disorders.

2. Increased Risk of Trauma: Involuntary treatment can be traumatic for individuals, leading to feelings of helplessness, humiliation, and a loss of autonomy. Research in the *Journal of Trauma & Dissociation* (2010) suggests that coercive measures can exacerbate trauma symptoms, further complicating an individual's recovery and overall mental health.

3. Patient Engagement and Compliance: Evidence suggests that voluntary treatment methods foster better engagement and adherence to treatment. A study published in *Community Mental Health Journal* (2016) demonstrated that individuals who are treated voluntarily are more likely to participate in their care, leading to improved outcomes. In contrast, involuntary treatment can create distrust between patients and providers.

4. Human Rights Concerns: Involuntary treatment raises ethical and human rights issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' rights and support for autonomy in mental health care. The principle of informed consent is central to ethical medical practice. Involuntary treatment contravenes these principles, leading to potential violations of individuals' dignity.

5. Alternative Approaches: Evidence-based alternatives exist that focus on voluntary engagement and supportive approaches, such as harm reduction programs and community-based interventions. For instance, a study published in *Harm Reduction Journal* (2015) highlighted the success of harm reduction strategies that empower individuals to make their own choices regarding treatment, showing effective outcomes in managing addiction without coercive measures.

6. Cultural and Contextual Considerations: Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all; cultural contexts and personal histories significantly impact treatment efficacy. Involuntary treatment often disregards these contexts, leading to alienation rather than healing. Most especially in a richly diverse region such as Windsor and Essex County, culturally competent care that respects individuals' backgrounds is essential for successful outcomes.

7. Legal and Policy Implications: Many jurisdictions in North America have actually moved away from involuntary treatment models, recognizing the need for more supportive, patient-centered approaches. Policies promoting patient autonomy and voluntary treatment protocols, such as crisis intervention teams, have been shown to reduce the necessity for involuntary admissions and improve community safety and individual well-being.

In conclusion, evidence consistently supports the notion that involuntary treatment is not a best practice for addressing serious mental health and addiction issues. Rather than coercive measures, the focus should be on developing supportive, voluntary, and collaborative treatment options that respect patients' rights and promote healing through engagement and empowerment. Emphasizing compassionate care can lead to more sustainable recovery outcomes and a more humane approach to mental health and addiction issues.



5 Years Of In-House Security

Our In-House Security team has hit a whopping 5 years of keeping Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare a fortress of safety! To celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re rolling out the red carpet to hear directly from the amazing people who’ve been on the front lines, ensuring we can all work in peace and security.

It’s time to shine a spotlight on their hard work, dedication, and the stories that make this journey so special! Let’s dive in and give a huge shoutout to the heroes making it happen every single day!

Nurse Practitioners Week

This month, we celebrate the incredible nurse practitioners who tirelessly dedicate themselves to improving patient care, advocating for health and wellness, and bridging the gap in our healthcare system. Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to your patients make a profound difference every day.

Thank you for your hard work - Shauna Carter, Maria MacNeil, Stephanie Duval, Kristie Tasevski Moy, David Lapointe, Melissa Sharma and Brianna Keyeux.

MHAUCC Services

If you or someone you know are facing a mental health or addictions crisis, don't wait to seek help!

You can visit the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC) at 1030 Ouellette (right next door to the WRH Emergency department). This centre offers walk-in services from 8AM to 8PM daily, providing immediate assessment and support.

For 24/7 assistance, you can call the HDGH Community Crisis telephone line by calling 519-973-4435 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Remember your well-being is the ultimate priority! Find out more at www.hdgh.org/mhaucc