Thanks, Jennifer.
The issue of access is so critical. It's one that I'm really passionate about. The work we've done here in Nova Scotia has been exactly on that. It's been looking at removing barriers to access to care for folks with eating disorders. What we found to be working in our province is having a suite of low-barrier, low-intensity programs consistent with the sub-care model. Locally, we offer text-based chats; Zoom chats; peer support programs, including one-on-one mentoring; groups led by professionals; groups led by peer supporters; and clinical support from therapists and dieticians. We find this works really well in connecting with folks where they're at. They may not be ready to access a therapist, but we want to catch them where they're at. When they reach out for help, we want them to know that support is available. There's no wait-list. It's immediately accessible. No diagnosis is required.
We have really tried to remove barriers. We've had so much success with this here in Nova Scotia that we're now rolling out this peer support program nationally. Folks from across Canada can access a variety of peer support programs for that immediate and highly accessible support. We can then help them access more accelerated treatment should they need that.