The Converge-DFG National Datathon: A Movement for Mental Health Data Innovation

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Registration Process

• Mandatory registration here, as we need to contact you with details: https://forms.gle/aM29u7FxP8ADobAo9

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Kick-Off Event:

• Date/Time (hybrid): Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11am - 230pm
• Virtual: Attendees must register at the registration link above to receive the Zoom link.
• In-person: Waterloo Main Branch Library, 35 Albert St, Waterloo, ON N2L 5E2

Working period: April 5 - April 25

• Participants will work in their teams to analyze the data and create insights to present at the wrap-up event

Wrap-Up Event (in-person): Saturday, April 26, 2025, Time TBC

• A hybrid closing event where teams will present their findings, propose innovative solutions, and discuss challenges and opportunities uncovered during the Datathon.

Mental health in Canada is at a turning point, and bold, evidence-based solutions are needed for transformational change. That’s why Converge Mental Health Coalition and Data for Good have partnered to host a National Mental Health Datathon—a large-scale data mobilization event uniting data enthusiasts, mental health organizations, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers across Canada.

With nine Data for Good chapters (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa, Montreal, and the Maritimes) and Converge Coalition members from across Canada, this initiative combines data, technology, and collaboration to explore the potential of data sharing and analytics, aiming to uncover actionable insights that could shape the future of mental health care.

### Why a National Mental Health Datathon?

Our ability to use evidence-based approaches is hindered by deep-rooted challenges in our mental healthcare system, including:

• Disconnected Data: A need for coordinated data-sharing to improve efficiency.
• Fragmented Support: Disparate systems that limit integrated care pathways.
• Missed Insights: Limited capacity for organizations to leverage their data fully.

Addressing these challenges requires a systemic, collaborative approach that prioritizes interoperability, fosters partnerships, and builds capacity across the sector. By harnessing the power of data and technology, the Datathon envisions a unified, evidence-driven approach to enhancing care, driving innovation, and positioning Canada as a global benchmark for mental health data transformation.

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Questions? *Email sasha.fay@dataforgood.ca*