HealthBound
The Biomedical Zone has been able to engage hospitals and health institutions in the innovation process in an unprecedented capacity through unique programming such as HealthBound. HealthBound is a needs-based innovation competition that convenes health institutions, startups, clinicians, and end users of technology to develop solutions around ubiquitous healthcare challenges. Previous challenges have included addressing healthcare associated infections, and improving the patient experience in outpatient settings. This agile approach to innovation supports rapid adaptation and adoption of new technology.
HealthBound 2020 Highlights
Shoppers Drug Mart signed on as the exclusive partner for the third annual year of Healthbound. This year, the focus was on tackling mental illness and addiction. Mental illness and addiction affects us all, whether individually or through a family member, friend or colleague. In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness or addiction - by the time we reach the age of 40, half of us will have been personally affected. The increasing prevalence of mental illness and addiction, coupled with scarce resources to help support Canadians, particularly in times of crisis, makes this one of the largest health challenges facing Canadians today.
HealthBound 2020 Challenge Statement
A solution to efficiently access, navigate and/or coordinate care for individuals (and/or caregivers) in the community experiencing mental illness and addiction in order to improve overall quality of life.
First Place Prize
LinkMentalHealth secured the first place prize of $35,000 CDN and automatic admission into the Biomedical Zone for a 4-month term, for their platform that works with employers, private therapists and public services to make mental health support accessible to anyone who needs or wants it.