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Mental health combines with basketball at Sault College this weekend

This weekend is all about mental health awareness on the hardcourts at Sault College
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NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

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The Sault College Cougars and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Sault Ste. Marie are teaming up to raise awareness about mental health during basketball games on Feb. 4 and 5.

The games will feature Talk Today swag, an info table with Sault College/CMHA supports, and special announcements in an effort to engage fans about the importance of positive mental health.

Fans will also hear from various varsity athletes in student-made videos promoting mental health. The initiative is part of Talk Today, one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for athletes in Canada.

“Talk Today has been a welcome addition to Sault College as students have been encouraged to discuss mental health more openly,” said Michelle Morley, Sault College Mental Health Champion. “These awareness games will only enhance the conversation.”  

“We are so proud to be the first Ontario college to implement the Talk Today program.  Sault College is committed to reducing the stigma of mental health problems, and supporting our students who are struggling. Talk Today is a great stride in accomplishing these goals, and we are so lucky to have the guidance and support of our local CMHA” said Morgan Levy, Supervisor, Counselling and Accessibility Services.

“It’s amazing to see student athletes so engaged with not only their own mental health, but encouraging others to do the same,” said Lisa Carricato, Mental Health Coach, CMHA Sault Ste. Marie. “Their commitment and leadership continues to be inspiring.”

Sault College became the first post-secondary institution to introduce Talk Today in September.

Student athletes and those in their support network at the college have received training in safeTALK, a three-hour accredited session that teaches individuals the importance of mental health and how to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide.

In total, 148 athletes and 29 coaches and athletics staff received safeTALK training. Another three people received ASIST, which teaches people how to recognize individuals who are at risk and intervene to prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

“We realize the importance of mental health in the students of today and through Talk Today we hope to give the student-athletes the opportunity to speak and to be heard,” said Scott Gray, Manager of Athletics and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association President.

The Cougars women’s and men’s teams host the Niagara Knights on Feb. 4 and 5 at the Health and Wellness Centre.

Saturday tip-off times are 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the women’s and men’s games, respectively. The same teams will hit the court Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Come out, catch great collegiate basketball, and support this great initiative. All donations collected for admission support the CMHA.

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