Can an ecosystems approach to mental health bridge gaps in and across overcomplicated mental health and substance use health systems?
On the new episode of The “So, Why?” Podcast, Stepped Care Solutions’ President and Lead Executive Officer AnnMarie Churchill is joined by Converge Mental Health Coalition Executive Director Meaghon Reid to discuss how care and intentionality are central to a connected and collaborative systems approach. They also share examples of what it looks like when the shared purpose is sustained wellness of an individual and community, rather than any one successful interaction with an agency or service provider.
Watch the conversation:
You can also watch and listen to this episode on the following channels:
More information from this episode:
- Converge website
- Our recap of the Global Leadership Exchange 2026.
- Meaghon’s op-ed on mental health systems as core infrastructure.
This episode’s guest:
Meaghon Reid is the inaugural Executive Director of Converge Mental Health Coalition, a national organization working to transform Canada’s mental health system through collaboration, innovation, and systems change. For more than 20 years, Meaghon has worked at the intersection of mental health, public policy, and organizational leadership, bringing together governments, researchers, community organizations, philanthropy, and people with lived experience to tackle complex social challenges. Prior to joining Converge, she served as Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary and previously held senior leadership roles with the Mental Health Commission of Canada in Ottawa and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in Washington, DC.
A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Meaghon is known for translating complex systems challenges into practical, collaborative action. She speaks on systems transformation, collective leadership, cross-sector partnerships, and the future of mental health in Canada, drawing on two decades of experience leading initiatives that bridge policy, practice, and community. Meaghon believes Canada’s biggest mental health challenges will not be solved by any one organization, sector, or government. They will be solved by creating the conditions for collective action, where diverse partners come together around a shared purpose to build a stronger, more connected mental health system.
About Converge:
Established in 2022, Converge Mental Health Coalition responds to the urgent need for systemic change in how mental health services are accessed, delivered, and integrated.
With over 90 organizations and individuals representing a diverse array of sectors and industries across Canada, Converge acts as an intermediary, supporting mental health providers, agencies, and stakeholders to identify gaps and collaborate on solutions, driving policy and technological advancements to support changes to the mental healthcare system. Converge provides a national platform for mental health providers and agencies operating within, and adjacent to, the mental health sector to share their ideas and catalyze large-scale, system-level change across the country.
Want to hear more about how the innovative Stepped Care 2.0 model supports communities to reframe, rethink, and redesign the delivery of mental health and substance use health services? Check out previous episodes of The “So, Why?” Podcast on our website, YouTube channel, Spotify or your favourite podcast apps.