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

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.

The Approach: 

The Datathon will leverage 4 core datasets from national organizations to tackle these systemic challenges:

• National polling initiative from Mental Health Research Canada
• 2021 StatsCan census data through HelpSeeker’s Social Data Explorer
• Call data across the country from 211 Canada
• State of Mental Health 2024 from Canadian Mental Health Association (National)

Please note that we are not accepting any additional data providers at this time.

The following grassroots organizations will also be contributing their anonymized datasets to work with:

• Crisis Line data from Distress Centre (Calgary) and CMHA-AB (Edmonton)
• Program data from Big Brothers Big Sisters (Calgary)
• CMHA AB + Centre for Suicide Prevention - ASIST  (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) outcome surveys

Other regional organizations will be encouraged to participate

Preparation for the Datathon Includes:

• Uniting Canada’s Leading Organizations:
  Participating organizations will contribute anonymized datasets, representing some of Canada’s most critical mental health data.
• Defining the Big Questions:
  Data Ambassadors from Data for Good will collaborate with organizations to identify key challenges and shape the Datathon’s focus.
• Unpacking the Data:
  Each dataset will be evaluated, and documentation will clarify its content and scope. Data will then be transferred to a secure analytic repository, ensuring accessibility for participants.
• Ensuring Privacy & Security:
  Data-sharing agreements will safeguard every dataset, ensuring ethical, secure, and impactful use.
• Engaging the Community:
  Mental health leaders and stakeholders will co-develop challenges of national significance, maximizing the insights generated by integrating all datasets.

Through this collaborative initiative, the Datathon will demonstrate a proof of concept for leveraging data to enhance mental health service delivery, spark innovation, inform public policy, and drive meaningful change across the sector.

Datathon Participation

We welcome anyone passionate about using data analytics and visualization to positively impact mental health in Canada by helping analyze the data. All skill and experience levels are encouraged to participate.

Datathon Schedule

• Kick-Off Event: Saturday, April 5, 2025
  A hybrid launch event where participating organizations will present their data and challenges. Following instructions on data access, participants can form teams and begin generating insights.
• Wrap-Up Event: Saturday, April 26, 2025
  A hybrid closing event where teams will present their findings, propose innovative solutions, and discuss challenges and opportunities uncovered during the Datathon.

Participants will soon be able to register and will receive all necessary resources and information to contribute effectively to this transformative initiative.