Wildcats and CMHANB Team up Saturday to Raise Awareness About Mental Health
Published on January 31, 2024 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Moncton Wildcats News Release
The Moncton Wildcats Hockey Club and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), of New Brunswick are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during an upcoming Wildcats home game.
The Moncton Wildcats game on Saturday, February 3rd at 7:00pm will feature:
A CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health
Videos featuring Moncton Wildcat 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 Moncton Wildcats and CMHA of New Brunswick to implement Talk Today. Talk Today provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention throughout communities across the Quebec Martimes Junior Hockey League.
This season, Talk Today is celebrating a major milestone - its 10th season of supporting junior hockey. Since its launch in 2014, Talk Today has provided an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of hockey players and other athletes across Canada. From 2014. through the 2022-23 season, nearly 8,600 individuals have received mental health and suicide awareness training through the program. The vast majority of individuals trained are athletes (7,598), but coaches (381), staff (217), billets and parents (400) have also participated in training, helping to create cultures of openness within athlete support networks.
"CMHA of NB is grateful for our hockey partnerships that have been a driving force for this program since the beginning, especially the QJMHL for its awareness and engagement efforts in support of Talk Today over the years. We're so proud of what Talk Today has become thanks to the national leadership, provincial coordination, regional staff, and the collaboration from the CHL which has grown to demonstrate a true sense of collaboration with a large impact. Members of the Moncton Wildcats play leadership roles within the community. Players, particularly, are excellent role modelswho positively influence young fans and their families. CHMA is a non-profit organization and through kind donors, funders, and community fundraising initiatives we are able to provide free programs and services to anyone who needs it and the money raised stays within the community", said Christa Baldwin, Executive Director, CMHA of NB.
"It's important to create a psychologically safe environment for everyone to remove the silence and fear surrounding mental health. Encouraging open and respectful communication allows everyone to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. It is crucial for leaders to regularly check in with teammates, both formally and informally to provide support and protection for all," said Ritchie Thibeau, GM Hockey Operations of the Moncton Wildcats.
For ticket information, visit Ticketmaster.ca.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2024
- Wildcats and CMHANB Team up Saturday to Raise Awareness About Mental Health - Moncton Wildcats
- Eagles Continue Chase for Top of Maritime Division with Added Wins - Eagles Recap - Cape Breton Eagles
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