Dec 20, 2024 | Leadership, Faces of HDGH
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the incredible moments we’ve shared at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare this past year. We have experienced a journey of growth, resilience, and community spirit. I want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements together and extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you—our dedicated staff and physicians, compassionate volunteers, community partners, and the Windsor-Essex community for their support.
In January, HDGH in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) were thrilled to be selected for a national demonstration project focused on advancing, strengthening care delivery and improving the outcomes for those living with schizophrenia. Partnering with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is an honour, and it allows us to implement standards that will truly change lives for the better.
Heading into 2024 brought its own set of challenges, as we continued to deal with the aftermath of a cyberattack. I’m incredibly proud to say we successfully rescinded the Code Grey in March, thanks to the tireless efforts of our IT, clinical, and back-office teams. Your patience and support, along with our frontline staff and physicians efforts to continue to serve our patients and clients during this time, has made a world of difference, and I cannot thank you enough.
May was a beautiful month of connection and purpose. HDGH, along with the Métis Nation of Ontario, Ska:na, and Hiatus House, to host our inaugural Moose Hide Campaign, promoting healing and solidarity in the fight against violence towards women and children. Additionally, the launch of HDGH and Windsor Police’s new Crisis Response team (CRT) was a testament to our commitment to the community. The program pairs crisis intervention (CIT) trained frontline police officers with dedicated CIT-trained social workers to provide compassionate support to those in acute crisis situations.
In June, we relocated key programs to the HDGH Downtown Campus, offering private office spaces for one-on-one support, as well as large bright and welcoming rooms. In addition, the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC), which supports those in crisis, relocated adjacent to the Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus Emergency department, helping to divert clients from the emergency department and ensuring they receive the appropriate support in a timely manner.
August marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we broke ground on our Outpatient Rehab Clinic. Set to open in October 2025, this facility will offer specialized rehabilitation services for patients with complex neurological and physical disorders. I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on our community!
Throughout the year, we celebrate and acknowledge one another not only for the support we provide our clients and patients, but also for the encouragement we offer each other. From honouring our dedicated nurses and the transformative impact they have in our community during the annual Nurses Week in May, to fostering the wellness and well-being of our staff and physicians at our annual Wellness, Health and Safety Fair, we truly demonstrate our commitment to working together.
In October, we celebrated Employee Appreciation Week with activities that were as much fun as they were meaningful. From the Hot Wing Challenge kick off to the Service Awards & Retiree Recognition event, and daily trivia games and scavenger hunts, it was a joy to honour the hard work and dedication of our team. You all truly make HDGH a special place!
This year, our community giving initiatives have been nothing short of inspiring. In February, we received generous donations of pickleball equipment for our Regional Children's Centre, bringing joy to our young clients. In July, our "Donate Your Kicks" campaign collected over 170 pairs of running shoes, making a difference in countless lives.
When the Adventure Challenge fundraising event called, our community answered! The event was filled with fun, teamwork, and laughter as we raised essential funds for our Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre. It was great seeing our community come together in such a spirited way.
And let’s not forget our Big Night Party in November, where we raised over $134,000 for Mental Health and Addictions programs. The evening was a beautiful celebration, honouring those who have contributed so much to our mission. The event featured an inspiring speech by former Team Canada Women's Hockey goalie Kendra Fisher, who shared her personal mental health journey, encouraging the crowd to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and seek help when needed.
As we look forward to the new year, I’m filled with excitement about what’s to come. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care, all while embodying our core values of Kindness, Teamwork, Expertise, and Social Responsibility. Guided by our vision of being a trusted leader transforming healthcare and cultivating a healthier community, we strive to ensure that every step we take is infused with compassion and collaboration.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support, dedication, and compassion make all the difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, let’s continue to create a brighter future for our community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with hope and promise!
Bill Marra is the President and CEO at HDGH and brings his 35 years of honourable leadership experience in health, public affairs, and community service to the HDGH executive team. Since joining HDGH in 2011, Bill has been steadfast in his goal to make HDGH the safest hospital in Ontario. He created an in-house security team to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Bill took on the role of President and CEO in January 2022 and in just one year, he led a person-centered model of care change in the Complex Medical Care and Palliative Units, introduced Personal Support Workers to the healthcare unit, established a HDGH Wellness Committee, and formed an EDII Alliance.