Firebirds & CMHA-WECB Team up to Raise Awareness About Mental Health Friday
Published on February 25, 2016 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
Flint, Mich. - The Flint Firebirds and Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during Friday night's game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The Flint Firebirds game on Friday, Feb. 26 at the Dort Federal Event Center will feature:
A CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health
Videos featuring Flint Firebirds players talking about the importance of mental health
Public address announcements about mental health
The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Flint Firebirds and CMHA, Windsor-Essex County 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 linked to a CMHA Mental Health Coach, who provides support and mental resources to individuals in need.
"The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) is delighted to partner with the OHL on the Talk Today program," said Kim Willis, Director, Communication & Mental Health Promotion, CMHA-WECB. "Mental illness affects all of us. The Flint Firebirds are showing great leadership by participating in this program and raising awareness about mental health and suicide."
"In the game of hockey where so much emphasis is placed upon results and the physical condition of our players, at times it can be easy to overlook the importance of mental health," said Costa Papista, Flint Firebirds President. "The Flint Firebirds are committed to protecting our players health as a whole, physical and mental. We thank the Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Mental Health Association for their assistance in this critical effort."
Puck drop between the Firebirds and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Dort Federal Event Center. Single game tickets are $12/Bronze, $15/Silver, $19/Gold and $25/VIP and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by visiting or calling the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at (810) 744-0580. Saturday and Sunday game day box office hours begin at 10 a.m.
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