MHRU Transitions to Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team

In an effort to ensure clients we serve receive care for their mental health needs in the right place, at the right time, last week, HDGH’s Mental Health Response Units (MHRU), a partnership with Essex Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), transitioned into the Essex County Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT).

While both teams consist of specially trained Social Workers paired with OPP Officers, the MCRRT model provides the ability for teams to respond to live calls for community members in crisis, ensuring mental health supports are available when and where they are needed.

Current clients of MHRU will see no significant impact on care. Clients in need will continue to receive follow-up connections with the team as necessary.

With this transition, HDGH has the ability to respond to live calls from community members in distress through the operation of a total of seven adult Crisis Response Units in partnership with Essex OPP in the county, and Windsor Police Services in the city. There is an additional Youth Crisis Response Team Unit (YCRT) in operation in the county to respond to crisis calls for youth under the age of 16. 

Youth Mobile Clinic Expands, benefitting even more local youth

HDGH is proud to partner alongside the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board to make healthcare services for local youth more accessible and worry-free.

The Youth Mobile Clinic functions by locating social workers and registered practical nurses right in the school in a convenient location where students can drop in for confidential, one-on-one physical health or mental health support without an appointment.

The Clinic was launched as a pilot project at F.J. Brennan Catholic High School towards the end of the last school year and based on its success, the same services will be offered beginning in September at Assumption College Catholic High School and Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School.

As Windsor-Essex’s specialty hospital with a focus on caring for patients and clients from infancy through end of life, our teams at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare know that a healthy life, both physically and mentally, is important at any age.

We are honoured to be a partner of the Youth Mobile Clinic to ensure that our community's youth can access these impactful supports – whether they may be counseling services for their mental wellbeing, or physical care - supports are helping youth build the foundations for a healthy adulthood.

By sharing these resources with even more of today's youth through this expansion, we are shaping a healthier generation of tomorrow.

We look forward to watching the success of this program flourish over the next two years and playing our organization’s role in benefitting countless youth.

Meaningful Acts of Joy

August is Happiness Happens Month, and at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, we're reflecting on the moments that bring joy and connection to our patients, clients, staff, and volunteers. From therapy dogs bringing smiles, to soothing piano music, and peaceful strolls in our Healing Garden, we focus on caring for the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.

Check out our latest blog to learn more about the meaningful acts of joy that happen on our campus every day.

Bags for Dignity: Carrying Support

Meet Russell, the son of Kathleen, HDGH Physiotherapist. This is the second year that Russel has collected and now donated approximately 20 backpacks, duffle bags and totes as part of his "Bags for Dignity" initiative. With numerous Clothing Closets at HDGH - offering new and gently used clothing and accessories for patients and clients in our care who are in need, Russel's initiative supports these individuals even further by providing them with a practical and dignified way to pack and carry their personal belongings when they return to the community.

Thank you Russell and Kathleen for this impactful gift.

School Supplies Donated to RCC Clients

It's Back to School time and thanks to a generous donation of school supplies from St. Mark's By-The-Lake Anglican Church, families of our Regional Children's Centre will directly benefit, many of whom face financial challenges each September as the new school year begins. 

Successful futures start with helping hands. Thank you to the St. Mark's team and all who donated, ensuring clients in our care have the tools their need to learn and enjoy being at school.

Wishing all those in our community embarking on the new school year, a safe and sucessful year of growth and learning ahead.

HDGH to share Career Opportunities at University Career Fair

Join members of HDGH's Human Resources team at the University of Windsor's upcoming Career Fair on Thursday, September 24, 2025.

Attendees will have the opportunities to interact with and learn from numerous employers, including HDGH.

The Career Fair will be held at the University's CAW Student Centre from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

Save the Date: 2026 Geriatric Conference

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) will host its 13th annual Geriatric Conference! We welcome Physicians and Healthcare Practitioners to participate in a half-day event exploring medical topics related to the aging population. Attendees of the conference will hear from specialists who will present on topics relevant to the day-to-day practice of community family physicians. 

For additional information, ticket inquiries, or if you're interested in sponsoring The Geriatric Conference, please visit our website or contact Medical Affairs at: 519-257-5111 ext. 76906 or Maureen.Curtis@hdgh.org.