MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release:
On Tuesday, February 7th and Wednesday, February 8th, Marion Cooper, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Manitoba and Winnipeg, and Grant Armstrong, General Manager for the Brandon Wheat Kings, will be available to speak to the media about Talk Today, a project that aims to promote the mental health of young athletes and raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
This media availability coincides with the Talk Today Mental Health Awareness Game co-hosted by CMHA Manitoba and the Brandon Wheat Kings on Wednesday, February 8th at the Westman Communications Group Place when the Wheat Kings host the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors in Brandon. In co-hosting this event, the Brandon Wheat Kings are helping eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and encouraging discussion within the community about mental health.
While elite athletes such as the Brandon Wheat Kings players face unique challenges, it’s important to remember that many young people are also under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure to succeed, which increases their risk to mental health issues. 1 in 5 youth struggle with mental health issues, and suicide is the leading cause of non-accidental death for young Canadians.
The stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues often keep young people from seeking the help they need when they need it most. Nearly 60 % of youth 25 years old and under, who were treated for a mental illness in the past year reported being affected by the impact of stigma.
The Talk Today Mental Health Awareness Game on February 8th aims to combat stigma by starting a conversation around mental health and encouraging young people to seek help when they need it. At this Mental Health Awareness Game, mental health kiosks will be stationed in the hockey arena to provide all in attendance with resources on the mental health services and supports available in Brandon and surrounding communities.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA):
Part of a National organization founded in 1918, CMHA Manitoba promotes the mental health of all Manitobans and supports individuals who experience mental illness and addictions issues to access the community-based supports and resources they need for their recovery and well-being.
To arrange an interview, contact:
Terra Johnston
Canadian Mental Health Association
Email: tjohnston@cmhawpg.mb.ca
Telephone: 204-982-6107
Matt McNish
Brandon Wheat Kings
Email: Matt.McNish@wheatkings.com
Telephone: 204-726-3535