WESPARK IDG MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE EVALUATION PROJECT
Evaluation and Implementation of Increased Mental Health Resources for a Rural Community Hospital
St. Clair College's research project focused on evaluating and implementing increased mental health resources with minimized barriers for patients of Erie Shores HealthCare, a local community hospital in Leamington, Ontario.
Project Overview
Canada is facing a mental health crisis, with significant increases in mental health cases following the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Canada Health Act, mental health care is only covered by publicly funded health insurance when provided by physicians and/or in hospitals. This has resulted in substantial pressure on Emergency Departments (EDs) across the country, as individuals in crisis seek timely care.
The situation is particularly challenging in rural communities like Leamington, Ontario, where community-based mental health supports are "less comprehensive, available and accessible than in urban areas". Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) serves a diverse population, including Mennonite community members, migrant workers, and Indigenous populations.
This research project examined the patterns and trends in demographic and clinical characteristics of mental health-related visits to ESHC's Emergency Department over a five-year period (January 2019 to December 2022). By analyzing patient demographics and visit data, the research aimed to identify gaps in mental health services and develop recommendations for improved resources both within the ED and the broader community.
Study Results
Key Findings
Top Diagnoses
- 37.1% - Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified (F41.9)
- 11.8% - Depressive Episode, Unspecified (F32.9)
- 8.9% - Mental and Behavioral Disorders due to Alcohol Use: Acute Intoxication (F10.0)
Primary Languages
- 883 subjects - English
- 81 subjects - Spanish
- 50 subjects - German
- 1,387 records - No primary language listed
Discharge Locations
- 80% - Private home
- At least 10% - Left against medical advice or after initial treatment
Current Community Support
The research assessed existing community mental health supports in Leamington, Ontario. Currently, there is only one walk-in program available at the CMHA, operating Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and a local counseling service through the Windsor-Essex Community Health Team that operates by appointment only.
Over 80% of available community services are based in Windsor, creating significant transportation barriers for Leamington residents as public transit only runs 1-2 times a day between the communities. Many services don't advertise support for minority groups, such as Spanish or German-speaking counselors, or share information about alternative community resources.
In July 2024, the federal and Ontario governments announced plans to enhance mental health support through the Farmer Wellness Initiative, offering free mental health counseling including a 24/7 phone line available in Spanish. However, migrant workers still face numerous barriers to accessing these services, including lack of privacy in bunkhouses, fears about anonymity, and concerns that seeking help could jeopardize their opportunities to return in future seasons.
Research Team
Emma Mineau
Primary Investigator
Dr. Munira Sultana
Co-Investigator
Neelu Sehgal
Partner Researcher
Shehneet Kaur
Student Researcher
Troy Hector
Student Researcher
Project Deliverables
Explore the key deliverables for the WeSpark IDG Mental Health Resource Evaluation Project by clicking on any of the preview cards below:
Impact & Future Directions
This research provides valuable insights into the specific mental health needs of ESHC ED patients, which will guide preventative risk management through ED staff training and hospital program planning. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on mental health needs in rural Canadian communities.
Based on this pilot study, ESHC plans to develop recommendations for effective intervention strategies unique to the local patient population. In Winter 2025, the project team will leverage these findings to apply for a larger NSERC Community and College Social Innovation Fund grant to mobilize the recommendations identified through this research.
By addressing the gaps in community support and enhancing available resources, this project aims to ensure that individuals have access to necessary mental health services, ultimately reducing reliance on emergency services for mental health concerns.