CMHA & Colts Team Up for Game on Sat. Feb 20
The Barrie Colts and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Barrie Simcoe Branch are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during an upcoming Barrie Colts home game.
The Barrie Colts game on Saturday, February 20th at 7:30pm at the Barrie Molson Centre will feature:
- A CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health
- Videos featuring Barrie Colts players talking about the importance of mental health
- Public address announcements about mental health
- Talk Today placards featuring Colts players with important mental health messages
- A CMHA puck-drop
The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Barrie Colts and CMHA Barrie Simcoe Branch to implement Talk Today. Announced in October 2014, Talk Today is a partnership between the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and CHMA Ontario. It provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide throughout OHL communities.
A key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide. Every OHL team received mental health training specific to suicide awareness last season and new players were trained this fall. 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 Barrie Colts to host a Talk Today event. By hosting this event, the Barrie Colts are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and encouraging discussion within the community about mental health,” said Jim Harris, Director of Support Services of CMHA Barrie Simcoe Branch.
“The Talk Today program is something that in today’s day, we know is extremely important and valuable,” said General Manager of the Barrie Colts, Jason Ford. “We’re looking to help end the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and we’re very happy to partner with CMHA Barrie Simcoe to increase public awareness and promote mental health in Barrie.”
Tickets for the game are still available, starting at $21 at the box office, and $26 online through www.ticketbreak.com.
Read more about Talk Today.
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Media Contacts:
Andrew Cunningham
Asst. Equipment Manager & Media Relations Director
Barrie Colts Junior Hockey Club
(705)-627-3331
[email protected]
Liz Grummet
Manager of Resource Development
CMHA Barrie Simcoe Branch
705-726-5033 ext 512
[email protected]
