Soo Greyhounds to host mental health awareness game in partnership with CMHA Algoma
The Soo Greyhounds have partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma for a mental health awareness game on February 6th at 7:07PM when the Soo Greyhounds take on the Flint Firebirds at GFL Memorial Gardens.
The game day experience will have several features to promote the importance of mental health, including:
• A CMHA-run kiosk on the concourse where fans can learn more about mental health and the organization’s community-based services
• A ceremonial puck drop and photo opportunity with CMHA Algoma.
• Videos featuring Soo Greyhounds players talking about the importance of mental health
• Public service announcements about mental health and CMHA Algoma
This mental health awareness game is part of the Soo Greyhound’s ongoing partnership with CMHA Algoma and its Talk Today program. Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada. Through this program, over 2,500 OHL players and over 550 coaches, billets and staff have received mental health and suicide prevention training across the league.
The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.
“So many of our neighbors and the people we grew up with are struggling. The homelessness and mental health and addiction crisis have hit us hard,” said Lisa Case, Chief Operating Officer of CMHA Algoma. “What has always made Sault Ste Marie and Algoma home for some many, is how we show up for one another, even in hard times. That’s the foundation CMHA Algoma is built on, and this event is a powerful reminder that we’ve got each other’s backs.”
“We’re proud to work alongside the CMHA Algoma Branch to host a Talk Today event and help bring important mental health conversations into our community.” said Maya Lortie, Business Operations Associate with the Soo Greyhounds. “Our players are role models to so many young people, and this initiative allows them to use that platform to promote awareness, understanding, and support. By hosting this event, the Soo Greyhounds are helping break down stigma and encourage open, honest discussions around mental health.”
For more information on the Talk Today program, visit www.talktoday.ca
For more information on the Canadian Mental Health Association – Algoma Branch, visit https://ssm-algoma.cmha.ca/
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the game are still available, for ticket information, visit www.gflgardens.ca/greyhounds or stop by the SK Group Box Office during business hours. The SK Group Box Office is open Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays from 10am – 2pm and 10am through game time on game days.
