The recipient of the 2022 Implementation Leadership Award for Canada is Dr Patricia Lingley-Pottie, CEO and President of the Strongest Families Institute.

Patricia is a trusted partner and collaborator of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with her leadership and commitment to improve mental health outcomes for all. Her organization, the Strongest Families Institute, continues to be a trailblazer in the e-mental health domain with its advanced e-mental health program that impacts the lives of so many families from coast to coast. Their reputable Intelligent Research and Intervention Software (IRIS) provides timely services by delivering virtual mental health interventions to families who have children who exhibit mild to moderate mental health challenges, from in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Their services have reached an incredible 35,000 clients with a notable 85% outcome success impacting the lives of many Canadians, including military members and veteran families. It is these types of e-mental health services that improve the quality of life of many by removing the traditional barriers to care and responding to those in needs where they are at.

Her standout qualities are extensive. These are just a few:

• Being a champion of lived experience in her work.
• Innovating and implementing services using technology that really meet the needs of families. We know that access to timely and appropriate care and supports is essential at any age, but particularly for our children, youth and families.
• Scaling up research-informed innovations, with an unparalleled dedication to delivering high quality services that will improve health outcomes. As a Scientist at the IWK Health Centre and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, she leaves no stone unturned to seek out opportunities and new research partners.
• Possessing a clear vision for the future of e-mental health in Canada while also to being open to learning and adapting along the way.

As one referee shared: “I have seen first-hand how families have entrusted and relied on the Strongest Families Institute for help in their most vulnerable moments. Their caring approach helps to build skills, strengthen relationships, and empower individuals to live their best lives. I can also attest to their merit from a personal perspective as my own sweet family is a Strongest Families’ success story.”

Congratulations Patricia!