Soo Greyhounds and local CMHA team up to raise awareness about mental health

NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

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The Soo Greyhounds and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Sault Ste. Marie Branch are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during an upcoming Hounds home game.

The Soo Greyhound Game on Feb 18 at 7:07 will feature:

•    A CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health and Talk Today
•    Videos featuring Greyhound players talking about the importance of mental health
•    Public address announcements about mental health
•    Stress Pucks/Tattoos for fans who visit the Talk Today Table

The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Soo Greyhounds  and CMHA to implement Talk Today, presented by Teachers Life. Talk Today provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention throughout communities across the Ontario Hockey League.

A key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Every team has received mental health training specific to suicide prevention. Each team is also now linked to a CMHA Mental Health Coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.

“We’re extremely grateful to partner with the Greyhounds and Teachers Life to host a Talk Today event to increase public awareness and to promote mental health in this community. Talk Today provides mental health support and raises suicide awareness with the teams and throughout Ontario Hockey League," said Lisa Carricato, CMHA Mental Health Coach.

Gerry Liscumb Jr., Director of Public Relations and Hockey Administration said, “The Soo Greyhounds organization is happy to be working with CMHA Sault Ste. Marie with TALK TODAY. Players know they have the support of the local branch and our entire organization received important training that can help prevent suicide.”

Another element was added this year, including a presentation on Mental Health to grades 7 and 8 students. Three players and Mental Health Coach presented and gave students Stress pucks and Tattoos. 

Darryl Fillmore, ADSB’s Mental Health Leader shared, “The Algoma District School Board is very appreciative of the strong partnership we share with the staff at the Canadian Mental Health Association here in Sault Ste. Marie. Together, we partnered with the OHL and our local Greyhounds and were able to bring some of the Greyhound players to talk to our students about mental health. Having the Hounds attend a school creates a wonderful opportunity for learning and sharing. Students are excited and are sometimes more eager to listen to important messages around mental health and well-being from an OHL player. Equally important is that these athletes are able to help break down barriers and pass on some helpful strategies to manage difficult emotions. A huge thank-you to our local Hounds and the Canadian Mental Health Association for making this possible.”

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