Episode 16 – Mental Health in the Pandemic, with Melanie McGregor, Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Branch 

TPINFP Episode 16 

Mental Health in the Pandemic, with Melanie McGregor, Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Branch 

The pandemic has deeply affected both physical and mental health for millions of Canadians. United Way Halton & Hamilton is committed to supporting local agencies providing mental health services in our community, especially as we recover from the cumulative stress of COVID-19. In this episode, Mike speaks with Melanie McGregor, health promotion and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Halton Branch. They discuss the mental health ‘shadow’ pandemic and alarming CMHA data that reveal deteriorating mental health across the country, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups. They explore the ongoing stigma of mental health challenges; the inextricable link to social determinants of health; and how some of CMHA’s pandemic pivots, such as offering virtual counselling, made services more attractive and accessible for community members.