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

(Feb. 13, 2019) The Ottawa 67’s and the Canadian Mental Health Association (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. 17 at 2:00 p.m. against the Kingston Rangers 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 six players, two billet families and two staff members 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.”

“It’s really important to keep having these conversations, because it can still be a taboo subject as players don’t want to look weak,” added 67’s Head Coach Andre Tourigny. “But when you’re going through something like a mental illness, you’re sick, not weak.

“It’s important to make sure we aren’t afraid to talk about our mental health but it’s also very important to listen. When someone’s needs help, we have to be there for them and hear what they’re telling us.”

Tickets for the game are still available, starting from $12.00. For ticket information, visit http://ottawa67s.com/single-game-tickets.

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

Teachers Life is a not-for-profit federally regulated life-insurance company and North America’s largest educator-owned insurer. Founded in 1939, community commitment is a core value for Teachers Life. For more information, please visit www.teacherslife.com .

-30-

Media contacts;

Andrew Fainer
Canadian Mental Health Association
[email protected]
613-737-7791

Alex Pilote
Communications Coordinator
Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group
P: 613-232-6767 x8827
[email protected]