Football Ontario, CMHA Ontario enter three-year partnership on Talk Today program

May 17, 2024

(Hamilton, May 16, 2024) – Football Ontario and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division have agreed to a three-year partnership that will bring mental health awareness to minor football locker rooms across the province.

As part of CMHA Ontario’s industry-leading sports mental health program Talk Today, Football Ontario
members will receive mental health education and information about services and resources available in
Ontario.

“We’re hearing more and more from our members that mental health awareness and supportive resources are a priority for them, so partnering with CMHA Ontario and Talk Today is a natural fit,” said Football Ontario CEO Aaron Geisler. “We’re excited to launch this important initiative that will make minor football facilities and communities across Ontario psychologically-safer spaces.”

In the first year of this agreement, Team Ontario coaches as well as select Football Ontario members will take part in a mental health education session led by mental health educators from CMHA branches.

Educational opportunities will expand to additional members in years two and three. Football Ontario will also help CMHA Ontario promote mental health services and raise awareness through social media and in-person events over the course of the agreement.

“This new partnership with Football Ontario is another reminder of the growing importance sports
organizations are placing on mental health and well-being,” said CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville. “We’re thankful to Football Ontario for taking mental health conversations seriously and we’re honoured CMHA and Talk Today are in a position of trust to undertake this important work.”

Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, Talk Today
provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across the province and across Canada. Since its inception, Talk Today has grown to support the two highest levels of junior hockey, the Canadian Hockey League and Canadian Junior Hockey League, while continuing to see expansion in postsecondary institutions and minor sports organizations. To learn more about Talk Today, visit www.talktoday.ca.