The QMJHL, AQPS and CMHA team up to raise awareness about mental health
Sherbrooke, QC – The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and l’Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during the month of February.
The promotional nights organized by QMJHL teams will feature:
• A local AQPS/CPS/CMHA-run kiosk so fans can learn more about mental health
• Videos featuring QMJHL players talking about the importance of mental health
• Public service announcements regarding mental health
The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the QMJHL, the Canadian Mental Health Association and l’Association québécoise de prévention du suicide to implement the Talk Today program. Talk Today provides mental health support to players and raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in communities across the QMJHL.
A key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and about suicide prevention. Every team has received mental health training which is specific to suicide prevention. They are also all linked to a Mental Health Coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.
“This association with CMHA and AQPS is significant for the league, the 18 teams and its players,” said QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau. “Even if playing major junior hockey is a privilege, players can still face important challenges in their everyday life. The Talk Today program not only helps them recognize mental health warning signs, but also encourages players to talk openly about the hardship and adversity they may face. This program is essential for a sports league such as ours”.
“CMHA would like to commend the league and its teams for their commitment to promoting mental health. By participating in the Talk Today program, they are helping educate athletes and their families about mental health and encouraging them to talk about it openly. Mental health is everyone’s concern,” said Geneviève Fecteau, Executive Director of CMHA’s Quebec Division and Montreal Branch.
Read more about Talk Today: https://ontario.cmha.ca/programs-services/talk-today/
