The 2025 recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award for Canada is Dr Vincent Agyapong, for the Global Psychological eHealth Foundation.

In Canada, a simple text has become a lifeline, offering connection and support at critical moments. Led by a clinician-scientist and systems thinker, this work pairs rigorous research with real-world relevance so that help reaches people when and where they need it most.

Evidence is at the core. Supportive text programs such as Text4Mood and Text4Hope have reached more than 120,000 people, with over 60,000 subscribing during the pandemic and wildfires. Peer-reviewed evaluations show meaningful reductions in anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal ideation, demonstrating that low-cost tools can deliver population-level benefits.

Backed by more than $8 million in research funding and over 200 publications, this model blends operational readiness with transparent reporting and cross-sector partnerships. Through a volunteer-led not-for-profit, these innovations scale across low, middle, and high-income settings, closing treatment gaps with dignity and data.

Dr Vincent Agyapong exemplifies leadership that transforms evidence into everyday care at scale, showing meaningful impact in mental health support.

Congratulations to Dr Vincent Agyapong.