#TalkToday event promotes mental health awareness & discussion.

The Spitfires and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor/Essex County are
teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during Thursday night’s home game versus the Barrie Colts.

The annual event will feature: a CMHA-run kiosk display on the WFCU Centre concourse (outside Section 112) where fans can learn more about mental health issues and services, videos featuring Spitfire players talking about the importance of mental health and in-game segments promoting discussion about mental health issues.

The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Spitfires and CMHA Windsor/Essex County Branch to implement #TalkToday.

Launched in October 2014, #TalkToday is a partnership between the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and CHMA Ontario that provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health issues and suicide risks throughout OHL communities.

A key piece of the #TalkToday program has been educating OHL players.

Every team received mental health training specific to suicide awareness last season and new players were trained this past 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 Windsor Spitfires to host a #TalkToday event to increase public awareness and to promote mental health in the community, by hosting this event, the Spitfires are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and encouraging discussion within the community about mental health.” –  Kim Willis, Director of Communications & Mental Health Promotions, Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch.

Head Coach Rocky Thompson says the entire organization is behind the initiative.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we provide those services and options for our players if they’re struggling with any mental health situations,” said Thompson. “Our players, coaches and entire staff also have a role to play in the community, creating awareness and sharing the message that it’s ok to ask for help. That no one is ever alone.”