A pilot project supporting health and wellness at a Windsor Catholic high school will be added to additional high schools this fall.
With the start of fall classes set for Tuesday, a Youth Mobile Clinic launched last year at F.J. Brennan High School will be expanded to Assumption College Catholic High School in Windsor, and Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School in Leamington.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) announced the expansion on Wednesday afternoon at Brennan High School.
"We’re extremely fortunate to have such excellent partners in our community and are grateful for their commitment of valuable resources to supporting our students and their families," said WECDSB Superintendent Kelly-Ann Bull, who oversees student well-being and mental health.
The board began the Brennan clinic in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor-Essex County Branch, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
The clinics will offer registered nurses and social workers at the schools, to allow students to drop in for confidential, one-on-one help.
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie said the clinics make things easier for students to access needed services when distance or transportation is a problem.
"The Youth Mobile Clinic brings care directly to young people where they need it most," said Dowie. "Our government is proud to support local initiatives that put student well-being first and build healthier futures across Windsor-Essex and throughout Ontario."
Funding for the pilot project is set for two more years and is offered through the Ontario Health’s Locally Driven Collaborative Projects program fund via the CMHA.
The clinics also operated at various locations during the summer.