Thunderbirds and Crisis Connections team up for mental health awareness

The Seattle Thunderbirds, Crisis Connections and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health at the game on Friday, February 8, against the Portland Winterhawks.

The T-Birds game against the Winterhawks will feature:

• A Crisis Connection table on the accesso ShoWare Center concourse so fans can learn more about mental health
• Public address announcements about mental health.
• Special pre-game puck drop ceremony.

The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Thunderbirds, Crisis Connections, and CMHA 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 Western Hockey League.

A key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Every team has received mental health training specific to suicide prevention. Each team is also now linked to a CMHA Mental Health Coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.

“At some point, everyone experiences hardship, and it can feel difficult to know how to talk about it or even who to talk to.  When we, as a community, take special attention to shine light on mental health, we normalize conversations surrounding emotional and mental health challenges, which can ultimately help break down social barriers that prevent people from getting support and resources,” said Melissa Butler, Marketing and Communications Manager at Crisis Connections. “We are truly honored to be part of the Seattle Thunderbirds’ advocacy for mental health awareness. No matter what you are going through, we are here for you 24/7.”

“We are honored to partner with Crisis Connections and the Canadian Mental Health Association to help bring awareness to mental health issues and to help reduce the stigma surrounding those issues,” said Erin Saunders, T-Birds Director of Promotions and Community Relations.

Crisis Connections in Seattle provides a 24/7 crisis line that is available to all residents of King County at 1-866-4CRISIS (427-4747). The Crisis Line provides anonymous and confidential support for any emotional need and will assist with referral to treatment providers as needed.

The game against the Winterhawks starts at 7:35 p.m. PT at accesso ShoWare Center.

Fans can purchase single game tickets online or at the ShoWare Center box office or online on the T-Birds website.