To Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health Services

 To Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health Services,

I am writing to raise concern about the current situation affecting students following the recent Canvas cyberattack impacting multiple universities in British Columbia, including UBC and SFU.

During final exam season, many students are already experiencing extremely high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. The sudden disruption of academic systems — including access to coursework, grades, submissions, and communications — is adding significant additional psychological pressure.

There is a concern that this situation may increase distress among vulnerable students, including those already struggling with anxiety, depression, or housing and financial instability.

I am respectfully urging Vancouver Coastal Health to consider:

• increased availability of crisis and drop-in mental health supports
• proactive outreach messaging to students through universities
• coordination with UBC, SFU, and other institutions to ensure counselling services are adequately resourced
• clear public communication about where students can access immediate help if they feel overwhelmed

This is not only a technical disruption — it is also a human and psychological one. Students should not be left without adequate mental health support during this period of uncertainty.

Thank you for your time and for the work you do in supporting community wellbeing.

Sincerely,
Tina aka Zipolita