The tragic death of 17-year-old Maya Cassady has ignited calls for reform in how mental health records are accessed through freedom of information laws. The British Columbia teenager died by suicide in March 2023 after obtaining her personal medical files through a freedom of information request.
A Life Cut Short
Maya Cassady appeared to be a typical high school student, celebrating her graduation in November 2022 with her dog Monet in photos that now serve as painful reminders of her potential. Just four months after her graduation portrait was taken, Maya accessed her mental health records and subsequently took her own life. Her story highlights critical gaps in how sensitive medical information is handled when released to vulnerable individuals.
The FOI Process and Its Consequences
The freedom of information system that allowed Maya to obtain her complete mental health records without safeguards has come under scrutiny. Unlike clinical settings where mental health professionals can contextualize and explain sensitive information, FOI releases provide raw documents directly to patients without support or interpretation.
Maya's mother is now advocating for changes to prevent similar tragedies. She believes the current system fails to consider the emotional impact of reading unmediated clinical assessments, particularly on young people already struggling with mental health challenges.
Growing Movement for Protective Measures
The case has sparked broader conversations about balancing transparency with protection in healthcare information systems. Advocates are calling for reforms that would implement safety measures when sensitive mental health records are requested by vulnerable individuals. These could include mandatory support consultations, risk assessments, or graduated release systems for particularly sensitive content.
As Maya's family continues to grieve their loss, they hope her story will drive meaningful change in how healthcare systems protect young people accessing their own mental health information through formal request processes.
