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How GreenShield is building a more inclusive future for mental health care
A s Canada’s only national non-profit health and benefits organization, GreenShield is on a mission to deliver Better Health for All. We spoke with Joe Blomeley, Executive Vice-President of GreenShield Health, about the organization’s commitment to health equity and how its integrated digital solutions are expanding access to care across the country. Expanding access to mental health care has become a central focus for GreenShield. Can you tell us a bit about what’s driving that urgency? Canada is facing a mental health crisis. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a steady decline in self- reported mental health, and the pandemic only intensified that. Economic pressures, political uncertainty, and the rising cost of living are adding even more pressure to these challenges. For instance, in March, we conducted a survey with Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), which found that nearly 50% of Canadians had reported increased anxiety in the previous month, with
concerns highest among lower- income households and women. At GreenShield, we believe mental health care should be accessible, convenient, and culturally appropriate. That’s why we’re investing in digital solutions that meet people where they’re at and reflect their lived experiences. Digital platforms are reshaping how people access care. How is GreenShield’s integrated solution helping more Canadians get the support they need? With GreenShield+, we’ve created a truly seamless health care and insurance experience. Our platform offers unprecedented levels of integration between health services – including telemedicine, pharmacy, chronic disease management, and mental health support – and benefits plans. This allows users to easily check their coverage, get care, and submit claims all in one place. One feature I’m particularly proud of is our therapist-matching tool. It connects people with a counsellor in under 24 hours, and we’re seeing a 93% satisfaction rate. That kind of speed and personalization is essential – especially for younger
Joe Blomeley Executive Vice-President, GreenShield Health
greenshield.ca
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