HealthIM is a Canadian startup focused on improving responses to mental health crises by developing software that assists first responders, such as police officers, in making informed decisions. The platform enables police officers to perform on-site risk assessments of individuals experiencing mental health issues. These assessments are based on clinically validated questions and can be shared securely with healthcare professionals before the patient arrives at a hospital, streamlining the intervention process and saving time. HealthIM’s mission is to bridge the communication gap between police services and healthcare providers, translating observations into clinical terms that ensure patients get the care they need quickly and efficiently.

Founded in 2015 by Daniel Pearson Hirdes and Daniel MacKenzie, both graduates of the University of Waterloo, HealthIM has been instrumental in supporting police forces across Ontario. The idea for the platform originated during their university years when they recognized the need for better tools to assist officers dealing with mental health crises. They received initial funding through the AC JumpStart program and have since expanded their platform, helping law enforcement and emergency services better manage mental health incidents in their communities