Today is Jan. 26 and it’s Bell Let’s Talk day. I want to take this moment to commend the Washington Capitals and give them stick taps for recognizing mental health awareness in their game tonight against the San Jose Sharks. They have partnered with MedStar and announced several initiatives for Hockey Talks Mental Health Awareness Night.
This special occasion will mark the second time they’ve done it. The game will feature activities related to mental health including PSAs and an information table on the 100 level concourse. Fans are encouraged to visit the table for resources and the opportunity to fill out a Hockey Talks sign in support of mental health awareness. Players will sport the Hockey Talks decal on their helmets.
In addition to the game there will also be two video series surrounding mental illness available on WashCaps.com. “Hockey Talks: Mental Wellness During the Pandemic” features Capitals senior director of team and organizational development Dr. Aimee Kimball. She will address mental wellness during the pandemic as it pertains to athletes, parents and coaches.
Kimball will also serve as the Mental Performance Coach for the USA Hockey Women’s National Team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. She will also participate in a second video series highlighting mental preparation and Olympic participation.
In 2020 surrounding the previous Hockey Talks Mental Health Awareness Night, Garnet and Lindsay Hathaway as well as Nick and Jenner Jensen participated in a Talk Saves Lives presentation in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Talk Saves Lives was an introductory presentation on mental health and suicide prevention, including the most up to date suicide date and research and what can be done to fight this leading cause of death.
The Hockey Talks initiative began in 2013 following the tragic passing of Vancouver Canucks player Rick Rypien in 2011. Rick was a hockey hero, a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend with a wish to support others and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by being a spokesperson for this issue. The Caps are one of 14 teams to participate in Hockey Talks this season.
For more information and mental health resources check out WashCaps.com/HockeyTalks. Be sure to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #HockeyTalks.
Like I pointed out earlier, it’s great to see the Caps do something like this. Mental health is an issue that doesn’t get talked about enough and together we can fight and end depression.