Local CMHA hosting mental health awareness game with Battalion
Thursday night’s North Bay Battalion game is also the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North Bay and District’s mental health and suicide prevention awareness game.
While the Battalion face off against the Windsor Spitfires (7 pm at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens), CMHA North Bay and District will take on mental health stigma in sports.
They’re raising awareness, promoting education, and celebrating that recovery from substance use disorder is possible.
The initiative is part of the Troops’ partnership with CMHA North Bay and District through CMHA’s Talk Today program.
“Athletes are often surrounded by high pressure to perform, intense competitiveness and heightened stigma around asking for help, particularly when it comes to mental health,” says Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA North Bay and District. “Programs like Talk Today help athletes to break down those barriers and prioritize their mental health. CMHA North Bay and District is proud to partner with the Battalion to provide the players with ongoing training, education and support throughout the season.”
Adam Dennis, Battalion President and Director of Hockey Operations, says they’re thrilled to continue their partnership with CMHA North Bay and District.
“We have seen such incredible benefits with the mental health and wellness of our own players,” he says. “The education they receive has given them tools for their own well-being and has helped raise awareness in their own personal networks at school and at home.”
Officials say since 2014, Talk Today has supported and addressed the mental health needs of hockey players and other athletes across Canada.
During its first 10 seasons, nearly 8,600 individuals received mental health and suicide awareness training.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
