In response to a rising tide of substance-related health concerns across Windsor and Essex County, Erie Shores Healthcare is expanding addiction and mental health services.
Previously, a Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre addictions worker visited the hospital once a week. Now, the worker will be at the hospital five days a week for emergency department and admitted patients.
The expanded services include assessment, counselling, harm reduction, and referrals to bed-based and community-based programs.
"This collaborative initiative directly responds to the urgent need for accessible addictions care," said a report to the hospital board this week.
The hospital stated that the expansion is a collaboration with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor Essex County Branch, and the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre.
