OASW Press Release: Poll Uncovers Surprising New Data on COVID's Far-Reaching Mental Health Impacts

March 7, 2022

Today, OASW distributed a press release highlighting timely new data on mental health, including surprising new insights from Ontarians on the pandemic’s far-reaching impacts for adults, caregivers, families and workers, and the essential role of social workers in advancing our shared recovery. The release highlights data arising from an online poll of 1,000 Ontarians conducted between February 4 and 11, 2022, using Leger's online panel.

Among the findings:

  • 4 in 10 Ontarians (38%) say their mental health has been negatively impacted in the past year, with 14% reporting that supporting a friend or family member experiencing declining mental health has impacted their own mental health
  • 90% agree that Ontario needs to make mental health supports available for those who need it, but less than one-third (28%) believe these supports are accessible
  • 80% believe more mental health supports are required for school-aged children and youth, and for residents in long-term care homes
  • Just over half (54%) say they have access to an employee benefits plan, but only 1 in 3 (36%) report having access to a plan that includes coverage for mental health supports
  • Ontarians overwhelmingly agree that social workers are essential service providers (86%) and that they are critical to Ontario’s mental health recovery (82%)

Access the full release below:


About OASW
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing 8,000+ social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.