Nurse Police Team
September 21, 2026 - The Nurse Police Team is a collaborative initiative between the Windsor Police Service and Windsor Regional Hospital that pairs a specially selected Police Officer with a Registered Nurse to respond to individuals experiencing mental-health, substance-use and other health-related concerns in the community.
The goal is to bring the right care directly to the individual, rather than relying exclusively on a traditional Police response or transporting people to the emergency department when another solution may be more appropriate. What makes NPT particularly valuable is that it combines police authority, safety and situational awareness with immediate clinical assessment and health-care expertise, allowing us to make better-informed decisions at the point of contact.
The biggest community benefit is that the person is no longer viewed solely through a policing lens. If someone is experiencing a health or mental-health crisis, the Nurse can immediately look beyond the behavior that generated the call and assess what may be driving it. That changes the conversation from ‘What enforcement action do we need to take?’ to ‘What does this person actually need?’ How is this different from our Crisis Response Team? The various co-response models are intentionally designed for different needs. Mental-health crises are certainly part of NPT's work, but the Nurse brings a broader clinical capability. We encounter people whose circumstances can involve substance use, medication issues, physical-health concerns, mental health, social vulnerability or a combination of several factors. NPT gives another option within a larger continuum of community response. The NPT represents a different way of thinking about community safety. Instead of asking Police Officers to solve health-care problems alone or requiring the health-care system to deal with someone only after Police bring them to the hospital, we have brought those two disciplines together at the point where the person needs help. It has allowed us to provide a more appropriate, compassionate and efficient response while making better use of both Police and health-care resources. Most importantly, the innovation isn't technology or equipment, it is redesigning how two systems work together around the needs of the individual. Since 2023, there have been 6,085 NPT calls for service. In 2025 alone, 604 people have been helped in the field and diverted from hospital emergency room.
The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County
April 22, 2026 - The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County, stands as a model of compassionate innovation and community-centered care. Through a forward-thinking approach, the organization has redefined end-of-life support by integrating holistic services that address not only physical needs, but also emotional, spiritual, and familial well-being. Guided by a clear vision and strong leadership, the Hospice has strengthened partnerships across healthcare, social services, and community organizations, ensuring a seamless continuum of care for individuals and families. Their commitment to accessibility and dignity has expanded outreach programs, enhanced volunteer engagement, and introduced innovative care practices that elevate the standard of hospice services in the region. By fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, the organization continues to respond proactively to evolving community needs. The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. Their work not only transforms individual experiences but also strengthens the broader healthcare ecosystem, making them a highly deserving recipient of the Innovate Challenge Award.
