Ottawa 67’s and CMHA Ottawa team up to raise awareness about mental health during Feb. 2 home game

The Ottawa 67’s and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)CMHA Ottawa are teaming up again to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during an upcoming 67’s home game.

The 67’s game on Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m. against the Niagara IceDogs will feature:

• A CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health
• Videos featuring 67’s players talking about the importance of mental health, and
• Public address announcements about mental health.

The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Ottawa 67’s and CMHA Ottawa to implement Talk Today in association with 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.

This past year nine 67’s players and a coach received safeTALK training. Others had received training in previous years.

“We’re extremely grateful to partner with the 67’s and Teachers Life to host a Talk Today event to increase public awareness and to promote mental health in this community,” said Tim Simboli, Executive Director at CMHA Ottawa.

“Members of the 67’s play leadership roles within the community and are seen as excellent role models who positively influence young fans and their families.”

Read more about Talk Today at http://ontariohockeyleague.com/Talktoday.