The Long Road Ahead: Mental Health and Substance Use Care

New data shows that 2 in 5 Canadians say they aren’t getting any or enough mental health care to improve their lives. Host Avis Favaro talks about a first, and historic, step for mental health in Canada. Data collected from a new agreement between Ottawa and the provinces and territories is being used to measure how mental health services in the community are being delivered — and how new targeted funding is improving those services. 

You’ll hear from 3 people committed to improving mental health services. Sachin Latti is a first responder from Vancouver who ran across Canada to raise attention and funds for mental health services. He says he witnessed mental health issues and substance use that were off the charts. Cheryl Chui is the lead on CIHI’s Taking the pulse report on wait times for counselling and the disconnect between hospital care and follow-up in the community. And Dr. Kevin Young is highlighting a remarkable project that has cut hospital readmissions for severe mental health crises by 400%.

Explore the Taking the Pulse, 2025 report here.

This episode is available in English.

Episode transcripts can be found on our podcast web page.

Learn more about the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

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