QUICK SUMMARY
A B.C. teen, Maya Cassady, died by suicide after accessing her mental health records through a freedom of information request. Her mother, Hilary Cassady, advocates for reforms to ensure that young people receive professional support when interpreting their medical records. The case has prompted discussions in the B.C. Legislature on the need for better safeguards for youth accessing sensitive health information.
Maya Cassady, a 17-year-old from B.C., died by suicide after reviewing her mental health records obtained through a freedom of information request. Her mother, Hilary Cassady, believes the distressing language in the documents led Maya to view her condition as untreatable, prompting her to take her life. Hilary has since become a vocal advocate for youth mental health reform, emphasizing the need for professional support when teens access their medical records. The B.C. Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner noted that while harmful documents can be withheld, it is not feasible to screen all requests. Maya's case gained attention in the B.C. Legislature, where Green Party legislator Jeremy Valeriote supported calls for reform. In B.C., individuals as young as 12 can request their medical records without guardian consent, a policy that has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. Hilary recounted discovering her daughter's distress through her phone, where Maya searched terms indicating hopelessness. The tragic event has sparked discussions on the importance of safeguarding youth mental health information.