Youth Wellness Hub Coming to Windsor-Essex

Youth Wellness Hub Coming to Windsor-Essex

[Windsor, ON] – The youth of Windsor-Essex are the big winners of a major funding announcement from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Today, Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health along with Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister Mental Health and Addictions, announced that Windsor-Essex is one of four NEW sites in Ontario to receive a total of $2.7 million in annualized operating funds for a Youth Wellness Hub. A total of $31 million was announced in investments in youth mental health.

In 2017 the Ontario government announced funding for integrated service hubs across the province to address gaps in youth service system. Ten hubs are now established to serve as fully integrated “one-stop-shops” for youth aged 12-25, to address their needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, training, housing and other community and social services. These hubs also include peer services, outreach, and system navigation services. Services emphasize quality, timely access, integrated and co-location.

“We are most grateful to the provincial government for this investment in youth. These funds will provide essential operating funds for our Youth Wellness Hub,” says Claudia den Boer, CEO, CMHA-WECB.

Prior to the pandemic there were inadequate supports for the mental health of children and youth. Now after experiencing increased isolation, on-line learning and the uncertainty of a global pandemic, the situation is even more troubling. A study led by SickKids hospital in Toronto shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 70 per cent of youth ages six to 18 experienced one or more of the following: depression, anxiety, irritability, a lower attention span, or obsessions and compulsions. For children between the ages of two and five, approximately 66 per cent reported having at least one of these symptoms.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County (CMHA-WECB), Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), Maryvale, The Bridge and Windsor Essex Community Health Care (WECHC) are all partners and will work together with youth and families to design a Youth Wellness Hub to meet the needs of youth in this community.

“This is very good news. This will be a one stop shop where teens and young adults will be encouraged and get help from a number of organizations with the struggles they are facing,” says Connie Martin, Executive Director, Maryvale.

“We are very excited to see an investment in mental health services in our local community for youth. This is a critical time to ensure supports are put in place to address the needs of this population as we consider the impacts of virtual learning and the experience of isolation due to the on-going pandemic,” Krista Rempel, Executive Director- The Bridge Youth Resource Centre.

Fundraising has also started in support of capital requirements for the Hub. This includes the Windsor Corporate Challenge happening virtually June 18-24.

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Media Contact
Kim Willis
Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion
P 519-255-9940 x161
C 226-787-2245
[email protected]

About CMHA-WECB
CMHA Windsor Essex is the lead provider and advocate of specialized community mental health and addiction services integrated with comprehensive primary health care services.

About HDGH
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is a unique community hospital offering services in Mental Health & Addictions; Rehabilitative Care; Complex Medical and Palliative Care; and Children and Youth Mental Health.

About Maryvale
Maryvale improves the quality of life for youth and families experiencing mental health distress in Windsor/Essex and Chatham/Kent.

About The Bridge
The Bridge is a resource centre, accepting youth as they are, with warmth and empathy. Our mission is to provide youth with hope for their future.

About WECHC
As a community health centre, weCHC continuously aims to support the people of Windsor and Essex County by offering equitable, safe, quality care that is client centered and close to home.