Brightshores Reports Decline in 30-Day Mental Health Emergency Visits Since Launch of Wellness Centre
A new model of care at Brightshores’ Wellness & Recovery Centre is associated with a sharp decline in 30-day mental health and addiction ED visits across Grey Bruce hospitals.
Brightshores Health System reports a significant decline in emergency department visits within 30 days of discharge for mental health and addiction patients, following the introduction of enhanced supports and the opening of its Wellness & Recovery Centre in Owen Sound.
According to data provided by Brightshores, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits for mental health and addiction concerns declined from 410 in 2022 to 52 in fiscal 2024, and to four visits in fiscal 2025 to date.
Brightshores tracks its data by fiscal year. The 2024 figure reflects the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The 2025 figure reflects April 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
The figures include visits across Brightshores’ six emergency departments, as well as at Hanover & District Hospital and South Bruce Grey Health System emergency departments.
Focus on 30-Day Mental Health and Addiction Returns
Brightshores confirmed that the 30-day return visits reflect patients seeking care specifically for mental health and addiction issues.
“Our emergency departments care for patients and families with a wide range of needs and are dedicated to providing compassionate support to everyone who comes through the doors,” a spokesperson for Brightshores Health System said in a statement.
Across Brightshores’ six emergency departments, there were 100,335 total patient visits between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The 30-day return figures represent a subset tied specifically to mental health and addiction care.
Wellness & Recovery Centre Model
The Wellness & Recovery Centre opened in June 2024 in a repurposed former elementary school in Owen Sound.
Brightshores describes it as the first model of its kind in Ontario with the ability to provide both treatment and stable, supportive housing for individuals with complex mental health and addiction needs under one roof.
“The centre is the first model of its kind in Ontario with the ability to provide both treatment and stable, supportive housing for people with complex needs — all under one roof,” a spokesperson said.
The facility provides access to crisis support, addictions treatment, daily drop-in services, and longer-term programming within a single integrated setting.
“This approach helps build trust, reduce harm, and support clients to lead their recovery at their own pace,” the spokesperson added.
Collaborative Approach
Brightshores credits the model and its partnerships with Grey and Bruce counties, Support and Outreach Services (SOS), United Way, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Keystone, and other local organizations for addressing service gaps.
“The opening of the centre introduced a new model of mental health and addiction care to the region,” the spokesperson said. “By collaborating with our partners, we can address gaps that no single service could achieve alone.”
Brightshores stated that the centre continues to draw interest from across Ontario, with organizations touring the site to learn more about the model and its outcomes.
The health system describes the reduction in 30-day ED visits as a key quality indicator for mental health and addiction care and an example of improved continuity of support following discharge.
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