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 12 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/Swag 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.” Lisa Carricato, CMHA Mental Health Coach.
Gerry Liscumb Jr., Director of Public Relations and Hockey Administration “ 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 of Talk Today includes a presentation on Mental Health to grades 7 and 8 students. Together, we partnered with our Soo Greyhounds and were able to bring some of the players to St. Paul’s School to talk to students about mental health. Cole MacKay, Drew Wawrow and Robert Calisti were wonderful ambassadors and shared with the students how they take care of their mental health.
Having the Hounds attend a school creates a wonderful opportunity for learning and sharing. Students were excited and eager to listen to important messages around mental health and well-being from the players. Equally important is that these athletes are able to help break down barriers and pass on some helpful strategies to manage difficult emotions.
Media Contact:
Lisa Carricato
Mental Health Educator/Mental Health Coach
CMHA Sault Ste. Marie
(705)542-3991
lisa@cmhassm.com
