Welcome to the Monthly Check-In - A newsletter giving you an inside look at all things Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

HDGH Selected as one of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers for 2025


We are thrilled to announce that Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) has been recognized as one of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers for 2025! This prestigious honor is a testament to the hospital's ongoing commitment to its employees and the community, reflecting the organization's dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive and innovative work environment.


The annual Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers competition, organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., identifies employers in the region who stand out for their exceptional workplace policies, employee well-being initiatives and family-friendly benefits. HDGH's selection underscores its commitment to not only providing outstanding healthcare to the community but also ensuring that its team members thrive both professionally and personally.


One of the key reasons for HDGH’s recognition is our comprehensive approach to employee wellness. We are leading the charge in prioritizing employee wellness, an essential element in the demanding healthcare sector. With great wellness resources and initiatives that help employees manage stress and maintain physical well-being, HDGH is setting a high standard for other organizations in the region.


Along with this, HDGH was selected due to the way we celebrate our own throughout the year with events including our President's Awards, Employee Appreciation Week (EAW) and much more. Events like these would not be doable without such fantastic employees. So for that, we thank all of those who show up every day ready to make a difference.


"A great working environment is not something that happens without great employees," said Bill Marra, HDGH President and CEO. "I am incredibly proud of everyone at HDGH. This is an award that celebrates the employees that come into work every day and care for some of our community's most vulnerable."


Celebrating our people is not the only way that HDGH was recognized as a Top Employer. HDGH prides itself on providing opportunities for our employees to continue their education through our Tuition Assistance Program, which subsidies for courses taken externally (up to $2,500 per year). In addition to that we are very fortunate to have two scholarship opportunities for our employees and physicians; the “J. Kenneth Deane Health Systems Innovator Scholarship” and the “Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation Scholarship”. HDGH also offers scholarship opportunities for children of HDGH employees or physicians, the “Janice Kaffer Future Leaders Scholarship”. This scholarship recognizes one or more students beginning or continuing their studies in a healthcare-related area of study or a Sciences degree, diploma, or certificate. The scholarship is open to children of HDGH employees or physicians whose goal is to join the healthcare and/or sciences landscape, enhancing the future of healthcare and sciences for generations to come.


This recognition is not just a reflection of the hard work and dedication of those who work at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare - it’s a commitment to continue evolving and creating a culture that supports employee wellness.



Windsor-Essex HART Hub Receives Approval to

Move Forward

Thanks to an announcement on Tuesday, January 18, by Sylvia Jones, the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Ontario, residents of Windsor-Essex will soon see the creation of a local Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.


Minister Jones announced the approval of Windsor-Essex’s application, less than 4 months after the community’s submission. Co-led by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, House of Sophrosyne and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre, with support from the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team, the approval of the local application means individuals in our community will have enhanced access to a range of local services that will best meet the complex needs of individuals. "HART hub stands for Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment hub. A HART hub will help people suffering from addictions to get back on the road to recovery. This HART hub will help people in our region," said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.


The HART Hub will serve individuals from Windsor and Essex County who are 16 years and older and who are experiencing active homelessness AND who are seeking support for their addiction and mental health concerns. This low-barrier solution will provide access to a range of services, co-located in the same physical space that responds to the complex, unique needs of individuals in our region who are experiencing a range of overlapping issues and marginalization.


“Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create safer, healthier communities here in Windsor and across the province of Ontario,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. “The new HART Hubs will provide those struggling with addiction and mental health with the primary care, support and services that they need to overcome the complex challenges they face. This initiative just goes to show that when our municipal leaders express serious concerns about community safety, our government hears and acts. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on Windsor families and individuals in need.”


While the announcement is an important step, there are still details to be finalized and we look forward to working with our partners and Government in the days and weeks ahead.

Read Full Media Release

Is Blue Monday Really The Most Depressing Day Of The Year?


Feeling off this winter? You’re not alone. While "Blue Monday" is just a myth, the season can impact our mood. Try getting outside, building small feel-good habits, or connecting with loved ones for a boost.


And remember, if you're struggling more than usual, support is just a call away. Reach out to our 24/7 crisis line at 519-973-4435 or visit the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre at 1030 Ouellette Avenue, open every day from 8 a.m.– 8 p.m.


Check out our latest blog for more tips to help you beat the winter blues!

Read More

920 Ouellette Community Care Fair


Our HDGH team had the privilege of participating in an impactful expo hosted by the Windsor Police at the apartment complex located at 920 Ouellette Avenue. This event provided a valuable opportunity for us to offer education, healthcare services and navigation support to one of Windsor’s most vulnerable communities.


We’re proud to have contributed to this initiative and to have connected with individuals who can benefit from the resources and support we provide. It was a rewarding experience that truly highlighted the importance of community collaboration.


Make The Season Kind Food Drive


We would like to give a sincere thank you to our phenomenal team at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare for your efforts in CBC's Make The Season Kind food drive.


You truly outdone yourselves in a magnificent show of community camaraderie. With our sleeves rolled up and smiles on our faces, we’ve banded together to tackle hunger head-on, proving that when we unite for a cause, we can make a world of difference! It’s not just about filling plates; it’s about filling hearts with hope and compassion.

Annual Geriatric Conference


HDGH’s Annual Geriatric Conference is now accredited for 3.75 hours (RCPSC) and 3.75 Mainpro+ Certified Activity credits.


Come join us on Saturday, February 22, for this in-person half-day event exploring medical topics related to the aging population. 


Visit https://2025GeriatricConference.eventbrite.ca or scan the QR Code to see the full agenda and to sign up!


Thank You Dr. Anne McLachlan


As Dr. Anne embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we take a moment to reflect on her incredible 30-year career at this campus and joining Hôtel Dieu Grace Healthcare in 2013. A passionate psychologist with a PhD in Psychology, Dr. Anne has dedicated her life to improving the mental health and well-being of her patients and the community.


Dr. Anne has worked across various units, including inpatient rehabilitation, psychiatry, and neuropsychology. Her career is marked by her unwavering commitment to both her patients and colleagues, consistently striving for excellence in clinical practice and patient care. Over the years, she has been a mentor to countless students, imparting her knowledge and fresh perspectives to the next generation of psychologists.


Her legacy is not in grand gestures, but in the countless small moments where she made a tangible difference - whether helping patients accept their circumstances or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create innovative care models.


As she steps into retirement, Dr. Anne looks forward to more time with her family, exploring new corners of Canada and continuing her passion for volunteer work. Her contributions to the field of psychology and the lives of those she touched will never be forgotten.


We thank Dr. Anne for her decades of service and wish her all the best as she enters this exciting new chapter of life. Her legacy of care, compassion, and commitment will continue to inspire us all.



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!

 

If you have any media inquiries about any articles, please contact Nicole Crozier at nicole.crozier@hdgh.org or by cell at 226-345-9710.

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube