Talk Today

Talk Today is a comprehensive mental health program aimed at promoting and spreading awareness of mental health for young athletes. The program includes evidence-based mental health and suicide awareness workshops and, critically, fosters partnerships between participating sports organizations and local branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

• Mental health and suicide awareness training: All players receive safeTALK training, a suicide alertness program that teaches individuals to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and how to take action. This training is also made available to coaches, team staff and billets/parents. SafeTALK is a fully accredited program created by LivingWorks, a globally recognized leader in suicide intervention training.
• CMHA mental health coaches: Each OHL team is paired with a designated CMHA mental health coach who is often the branch staff person that delivers the safeTALK training. As a direct connection to the team, the CMHA mental health coach can provide resources and support for the players and people that surround them should anyone struggle with their mental health.
• Team mental health champions: Each OHL team appoints a mental health champion to act as liaison between the team and their local CMHA branch. The mental health champion, who is also encouraged to take safeTALK, is often someone who has a close connection to the athletes (such as a trainer, physiotherapist, etc.) and is accessible to players if they feel they need to reach out about a mental health challenge.
• Game day awareness events: Every year, each team across the OHL hosts an annual Talk Today game day event to increase awareness about suicide prevention and promote mental health in their community. CMHA partners participate in the event which allows the partners to spread awareness about mental health resources available in the community.