Theo Fleury to attend Screaming Eagles and Crossroads Mental Health Awareness Night

Press Release

Sydney - The Cape Breton District Health Authority’s Crossroads Program and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles are working together to raise awareness about mental health.

The 2nd Mental Health Awareness Night takes place on October 14th, 2012 as part of the Eagles game against the Acadie Bathurst Titan will feature a puck drop by former NHL star Theo Fleury. The goal of the evening is to increase education and reduce stigma around mental illness in our community.

“Mental illness doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone,” says Scott Gouthro, Recreation Therapist with the District’s Mental Health Services.  “Mental illness occurs in all ages - from childhood through the senior years. For some people, mental illness is a short-term illness but for others, it’s a life-long journey towards recovery. People need to know that they are not alone, that there are supports in the community. You can get help.”

Several activities will mark Mental Health Awareness Night.  There will be colleagues from Crossroads greeting people at the doors; information booths; contact cards for community resources; educational videos; and a range of community supports and services available to answer your questions (The Canadian Mental Health Association, Bring Change 2 Mind, Mental Health & Addictions Promotion Committee, Pathways to Employment and Crossroads). In addition, there will be a special appearance by Theo Fleury – a former NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup winner and Olympic Gold Medalist.

Crossroads is selling tickets to the public at a special price with a portion of the ticket sales to be used to support members in attending educational events in Toronto and St Louis, Missouri next year.  People who purchase tickets from Crossroads will have the chance to enter their name into a draw to meet Theo Fleury before the game.

“The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about the impact of mental illness on our community and to reduce the misunderstanding and stigma that continue to be firmly attached to this pervasive health matter,” says Colleen Cann Mackenzie, Program Coordinator with Crossroads.  “One in five of us will experience a mental health disorder in our lifetime. Each and every one of us will be affected through our family relationships, friendships, neighborhoods and workplaces.”

This is the second time the Eagles and Crossroads have hosted Mental Health Awareness Night. Game start time is 4:00 p.m. at Centre 200.


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)