Windsor, ON: A community-based treatment program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness is transitioning its operations to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) to enhance collaboration and service delivery among local health system partners. The Chatham-Kent Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, currently operated by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), will transition to CKHA effective August 1, 2021.

“One of the main objectives of this program transfer is to improve system navigation and coordination for patients, families and caregivers,” said Alan Stevenson, Vice President, Mental Health and Addictions, CKHA. “We are thrilled to welcome the Chatham-Kent ACT program to CKHA and look forward to building our relationship with this team.”

Over the last eight years, HDGH has operated the Chatham-Kent (ACT) program. Prior to this, the program was operated by Windsor Regional Hospital. The Chatham-Kent ACT team, along with both Windsor ACT teams, provide a community-based, recovery model of care for individuals who have a severe and persistent mental illness. ACT assertively reaches out to patients where and when they need help – directly in their home and in their community. Further, the ACT team coordinates service delivery with CKHA including access to acute care as required for ACT patients.

"Supporting mental health programs and encouraging people in need of help with these programs positively impacts our communities," said Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington. "I am grateful that the Chatham-Kent ACT program is coming to CKHA as of August 1st to better support the mental health needs of the people of Chatham-Kent-Leamington."

In an effort to more closely align the ACT team with CKHA’s acute care, department of psychiatry, and outpatient Mental Health and Addictions Program, the Chatham-Kent ACT program will transfer its operations from HDGH to CKHA on August 1, 2021. The staff complement of the Chatham-Kent ACT program will become employees of CKHA and patients of the Chatham-Kent program will remain with the same complement of staff for their care.

“This is a great example of how we are working together to achieve the best health and well-being for the people of Chatham-Kent - close to home. We are decreasing the barriers to accessing mental health resources within our own community,” said Sheila Satchell, Patient Advisor Co-Chair, CKOHT.

“On behalf of HDGH, I would like to thank each member of the Chatham-Kent ACT team for their ongoing commitment and dedication to living the values and mission of HDGH over the last several years. I have no doubt that the clients will continue to see the benefits of this service as it transfers to our partners at CKHA,” said Sonja Grbevski, Vice President, Mental Health and Addictions, HDGH.

Both hospitals have been working with current patients of the ACT program to ensure a smooth transition. There will be NO change to the program’s current location and the Chatham-Kent ACT will continue to provide services at 321 St. Clair Street, Chatham. All patients of the Chatham-Kent ACT program will continue to receive services with no planned changes or disruptions. Patients will also continue to have access to the HDGH tertiary mental health program.

The Chatham-Kent ACT program is located at:

Chatham-Kent ACT

321 St. Clair Street

Chatham, Ontario, N7L 3J8

519.355.0667

Hours of operation:

Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about the Chatham-Kent ACT program, click here.