More information about the ECHO model can be found on the ECHO Ontario website. Waypoint’s inaugural ECHO program, “Echo Ontario Urgent & Emergent Mental Health at Waypoint,” ran from May 7 to July 2, 2025. This program provided mental health and addiction education to healthcare providers working in urgent and emergent settings (with a focus on Non-schedule 1 ED staff) across the Central region.

The program followed the ECHO educational model, which involved:

• A weekly didactic lecture related to urgent and emergent mental health presented by a guest speaker and/or hub member. Topics included managing concurrent disorders in emergency settings, privacy and the mental health act, community crisis intervention, among others.
• Case study presentation by a participant followed by a discussion that included recommendations from fellow participants.

The program was highly successful:

• 48 clinical staff from across Central region attended
• 90% of those surveyed rated the program as “excellent” and found the sessions engaging.
• 72% of those surveyed felt the program met its objectives.
• Participants expressed that learning from each other and hearing new perspectives was invaluable. Many discovered new resources and strategies to support their clients.
• The ECHO facilitated camaraderie between the different agencies, and participants felt it was a safe, positive environment to share.

If you’d like to be updated on future opportunities you can sign up below.