The Rockets and CMHA Kelowna team up on Saturday

The Kelowna Rockets and the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna are paired up to present Talk Today and bring awareness about the importance of mental health this Saturday when the Rockets host the Prince George Cougars.

Talk Today is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. Its aim is to promote the mental health of young athletes and to spread awareness about the benefits of positive mental health throughout communities across the country.

Originally launched by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division (CMHA Ontario) in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, Talk Today expanded last year when a partnership was formed between CMHA and the Canadian Hockey League. All 22 teams in the Western Hockey League are participating to create a suicide-safe network within their respective leagues and clubs.

In November, 2016, CMHA Kelowna provided a safeTALK suicide alertness training to the Kelowna Rockets players (Picture above). This course taught players how to recognize when their teammates and friends may be struggling with thoughts of suicide and how to best assist them in finding help.

"We are always thrilled when new community partnerships are formed," says Aaryn Secker, Community Education Facilitator at CMHA Kelowna. "We know that athletes are under a lot of pressure, so it is important that they learn to pay attention to their mental health and know that it is okay to ask for help."

Join in on the action on Saturday and show CMHA Kelowna as well as the Rockets your support.