Windsor's Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre is moving next week.
The clinic, operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch and Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, will only offer limited walk-in services starting Monday.
It's relocating from 744 Ouellette Avenue to three blocks up the street at 1030 Ouellette Avenue.
It'll reopen on June 24 adjacent to Windsor Regional Hospital's Emergency Department on Goyeau Street.
The clinic opened at the height of the pandemic and supports those over the age of 16 who are suffering from a mental health or addiction crisis and cannot safely wait for support in the community.
Walk-in services are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Phone service is available any time at 519-973-4435.
"The opening of a dedicated space for a Mental Health and Addiction Urgent Crisis Centre -- is crucial for supporting those in immediate need, providing essential services and resources to help them navigate through difficult times," said HDGH President and CEO Bill Marra. "By offering specialized care and intervention, we aim to divert clients from the emergency department, ensuring they receive the appropriate support in a timely manner."
Meanwhile, one-on-one support at the new Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare Downtown Campus offers a variety of services at 500 Ouellette Avenue, including an injection clinic, general psychiatry clinic, transitional youth clinic, community withdrawal management, and soon, assertive community treatment.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire has advocated for changes to mental health and addiction services downtown and calls it a modernized strategy to address health and human services needs.
"People experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use challenge should have access to appropriate support services rather than unnecessary interactions with police," he said. "These programs will also assist in alleviating demands on our frontline police officers, enabling them to remain focused on crime response and public safety."
Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers will also help reduce Code Blacks at area hospitals, freeing up paramedics to respond to emergencies in the community.
A Code Black is when no ambulances are available to respond to emergencies.