HDGH and Windsor Police Services' Crisis Response Team receives grant

At the beginning of October, the Windsor Police Services (WPS) announced over 4@ million in few funding through the Ontario Government's Community Safety AND Policing (CSP) Grant program.

One program to receive a portion of this funding is the Crisis Response Team (CRT), a collaborative program between WPS and HDGH.

The CRT pairs crisis intervention (CIT) trained police officers with CIT-trained social workers from HDGH. This $632,970 grant will enable the existing CRT to continue providing informed, compassionate responses to individuals in crisis situations.

Mental health and addiction-related issues continue to be a significant challenge in Windsor; since 2020, these calls have increased by 71%. However, police are not the subject matter experts in these areas. By partnering with social workers, officers can deescalate potentially dangerous interactions with individuals in crisis and deliver effective, compassionate support by connecting them with community resources for

continued support. This team diverts workload away from hospital emergency departments so that individuals who need urgent medical attention can access those services more quickly.

The CRT operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., providing overlap coverage during peak hours and reducing the number of calls to which patrol units must respond. In the first nine months of 2025, CRT units responded to 3,085 calls for service (a 26.9% increase from the same period in 2024). This benefits frontline police resources (by freeing them up to respond to other urgent calls), healthcare providers (through reduced emergency department visits), and most importantly, the individuals experiencing crisis situations.

Compassionate Companions: Bringing Comfort and Connection

HDGH is launching a new volunteer initiative called Compassionate Companions. This program is designed to bring comfort, connection, and support to our patients in restorative and palliative care.

Compassionate Companions will:

• Visit with patients and families, offering conversation and companionship — including matching with patients who speak the same language, so they feel understood and supported.
• Provide respite and relief for caregivers.
• Support patients at the end of life, including assisting with legacy projects.
• Help with small but meaningful comforts such as offering blankets and assisting with meal trays.
• Provide reassurance and a calming presence.

This is an exciting addition to our volunteer services and will enhance the patient and family experience.

Please note, HDGH staff are not eligible to volunteer in this program, but you can help by identifying patients who may benefit and by sharing this volunteer opportunity with others in community.

Learn more.

Bridging Gaps, Building Bridges -

National IPAC Week

It takes all of us to keep our hospital safe! This National Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Week, we’re celebrating the teamwork that helps prevent and control infection every day. 

Our latest blog, written by our IPAC team members Jenn Maisonville and Grace Suryawan, you'll learn how infection prevention connects every department and keeps our hospital community safe. 

Dr. Robert "Bob" Stewart - Honouring a Legacy of Vision, Faith, and Service

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is saddened to share the news that Dr. Robert “Bob” Stewart passed away on October 11, 2025. Bob’s lifelong dedication to his faith, his community, and healthcare for all has left a lasting mark across Canada.

He held many titles throughout his life and poured himself into each one. For us at HDGH, Bob was more than just the President and CEO of Catholic Health International (CHI), he was a leader, a mentor, an advocate, and a friend.

Bob exemplified Servant Leadership, always putting others first and leading with humility, warmth, and unwavering faith. His visionary leadership and dedication to his Catholic faith drove his ambitions and was pivotal in key moments of Catholic healthcare, working towards preserving the Catholic Mission and Identity in Canadian hospitals as they transitioned to government oversight. This work rippled across our country and beyond, laying the groundwork for what is now the Catholic Health International organization.

Through decades of his leadership at CHI, HDGH’s Catholic Sponsor, Bob provided guidance and support in our efforts of maintaining our Catholic roots while evolving into the specialty hospital that cares for the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community.

In May 2025, Bob retired as President and CEO of CHI, leaving behind a legacy of purpose, love, and service. His passing on October 11, 2025, was deeply felt by all who knew him.

Today, it is with great pride and joy that we share that the HDGH Board of Directors have unanimously endorsed Dr. Stewart’s nomination to be honoured in the HDGH Founders Garden, located in front of the Emara Building.

The Founders Garden is dedicated to the founders as well as our past and current leaders of HDGH who were, and continue to be, champions for improving access to healthcare in the region. Bob certainly exemplified this sentiment and will be honoured forever for his profound impact.

HDGH Unveils Renovated Waiting Room to Support Dual Diagnosis Clients

HDGH has officially unveiled a newly renovated waiting room within its Dual Diagnosis program, designed to provide a calm, comfortable and supportive environment for clients living with both a developmental disability and a persisting mental health disorder.

Previously, the lack of an adequate and calming waiting space often left clients feeling overstimulated, unregulated and anxious before their appointments. Through collaboration with HDGH staff and families, and thanks to the generosity of Mary and Ernie Scerbo, along with every member of the family who helped raise over $47,000 over the years, a new design was brought to life.

The reimagined waiting room is already making a measurable difference. Clients arrive feeling more at ease, with reduced anxiety and are better prepared to engage in their treatment.

“We are honored to recognize the generosity of the Scerbo family, who have chosen to memorialize their son Giovanni in a way that will bring comfort and care to others for years to come,” said Dave Cassidy, Chair of the HDGH Foundation Board. “Their gift is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the desire to make a meaningful impact.”

The renovated space stands as both a legacy to Giovanni’s memory and a testament to the strength of community collaboration in improving care for vulnerable populations.

Celebrating Employee and Physician Appreciation Week

From October 6 through 10, employees and physicians throughout HDGH were recognized and celebrated for the incredible work they do day in and day out for our organization, our patients and clients, and our community.

During Employee and Physician Appreciation Week 2025, members of our team received a new HDGH branded shirt, treats from local vendors including The Pantry, Cottam Candy, and Pretzel Centre; they tested their wit by competing in Wild Life Academy's Escape Room and the Amazing Race competition finale; and many well-deserved awards and Years of Service pins were awarded at our Service Awards and Retiree Recognition event.

Thank you to all involved in making the week one to remember and thank you to our teams for all you do!

More Than Medicine: Specialized Care, Close to Home a resounding success at Windsor International Film Festival

Our organization, and all those involved in the creation of HDGH's impact film “More Than Medicine: Specialized Care, Close to Home” are overjoyed by the incredible response the film received earlier this week at its premiere at the 2025 Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF).

Over 500 attendees watched five extraordinary patient and family journeys, revealing how expertise, human connection, and community transform lives. At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, healing is more than medicine—it’s courage, connection, and care close to home.

Thank you to the organizer of WIFF for proving the stage to showcase this impactful work and inspiring stories.

Those who were unable to attend WIFF can watch the film now live on our HDGH YouTube Channel.

If you felt inspired by the stories shown in More Than Medicine, you can help change lives together with HDGH by making an impactful donation through our HDGH Foundation and directing your donation to an area of your choosing.

HDGH President and CEO to Dance to Support Easter Seals Ontario

HDGH’s President and CEO Bill Marra is braving the stage as he embarks on some friendly competition as part of the Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars this November!

The event is a memorable evening of glitz, glam, and entertainment, welcoming local business professionals paired with professional dancers. While there will be celebrity judges determining the winning duo, online and event votes help crown the “People’s Choice” winner.

Ticket sales for the event, along with every vote raises funds for Easter Seals Ontario – a registered charity committed to empowering children and youth with physical disabilities to reach their full potential and make their own positive impact on the world.

The official event with take place on Friday, November 28th at Caesars Ballroom, doors open at 5:30. Please contact Bill Marra directly if you are interested in buying tickets.

If you can’t make the event, you can still support Bill and the Easter Seals by casting a vote for him now until November 28th.

HDGH Patient Benevolent Fund Receives support from Windsor Spitfires 50/50 Games with more to come

It was an exciting weekend of hockey magic as the Windsor Spitfires took on the Saginaw Spirit while raising funds for the HDGH Patient Benevolent Fund as part of the Spitfires’ 50-50 raffle hosted at their October 26 game.

The HDGH Patient Benevolent Fund supports patients and client by allowing our teams to seamlessly assist with purchasing the necessary equipment, comfort items, and tools that contribute to each person’s unique care plan.

With a commitment to supporting local initiatives, the Spitfires will be further supporting the HDGH Patient Benevolent Fund through our HDGH Foundation with proceeds raised from the 50-50 raffle at this Sunday, November 2 game.

Join us again for this action-packed game and support the Spitfires and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Discounted tickets can be purchased here by entering the promo code 5050CHARITY5. Tickets can be purchased for as low as $24.

Can’t make it to the game? You can still show your support by purchasing 50-50 tickets online at www.spits5050.com.

Spread the news and let’s help fill up the WFCU Centre and cheer on our hometown team while supporting a great cause. GO SPITS GO! 

The Big Party is

Two Weeks Away!

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation invites you to “Party with a Purpose” at The Big Party, in support of the Mental Health and Addictions Programs at HDGH.

The evening will boast an unforgettable casual affair featuring live entertainment, dinner & food stations, silent auction, raffles and more. The Big Party will be taking place on Friday, November 14th at Ciociaro Club of Windsor. As always, 100% of the proceeds raised at this event will stay local and benefit vital HDGH programs.

Tickets for this extraordinary event are available to purchase online for $150 each, with tables of 10 available for $1,400. With your gracious support we are "Changing Lives Together". 

For additional information, event and ticket inquiries, or if you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with The Big Party, please review our sponsorship package or contact Afshin Ali at 519-257-5111 ext. 75256.