Children and teens dealing with social, emotional, developmental, or behavioural challenges have more support in Leamington.
Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare has signed two Memorandums of Understanding so the Regional Children's Centre can provide services to families living in the south end of Essex County.
"The two MOUs are new examples of how HDGH is looking to provide services closer to its clients and their families," said Sonja Grbevski, the hospital's vice president of mental health and addictions.
The centre will soon provide programming for teens aged 14 to 21 who are involved in the youth justice system at The Bridge Resource Centre on Sherk Street. A counsellor will be available Wednesday afternoons and will be able to assist with referrals to mental health programs.
Those youth could also access other services at The Bridge, including a daily hot meal, a shower, laundry facilities, life and coping skills, and employment services.
The Harrow Health Centre: A Family Health Team will also hold counselling and therapy sessions on Fridays. The service is for families who live in the county and are referred by the Regional Children's Centre.
"The children in our rural community will benefit from the enhanced access to healthcare services resulting from this collaboration," said Margo Reilly, the executive director of the Harrow Health Centre.
Families with children who in urgent need of service are encouraged to visit their nearest emergency departments, but for non-urgent issues for kids aged six to 18, they can call the RCC office and ask to speak with a social worker at 519-257-5215.