Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has awarded Petes GM and vice-president of Operations Mike Oke with the 2024 Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award.

Photo supplied by peterborough petes

The annual award recognizes an individual who has championed, critical challenges, pioneered initiatives and achieved lasting impacts in support for those who live with mental health issues.

CMHA HKPR’s Jack Veitch nominated Oke for the award, citing his dedication to the work on the OHL’s Talk Today Program as well as his commitment to the mental health of his players and staff.

The award was presented at Wednesday's CMHA HKPR Annual General Meeting.

“Mike Oke transformed the Peterborough Petes' approach to mental health and wellness,” said Veitch. “In 2013, he and the Petes partnered with the CMHA to pilot the 'Talk Today' program, which became a national movement in Canadian junior hockey.”

“We piloted the Talk Today program in 2013 after the initiative was brought to us by Dave and Heather Pogue,” Oke added. “We were the first team to implement the program with our players and staff here in Peterborough, it then became mandatory in the entire CHL, growing to involve other junior hockey leagues in Canada.”

Oke noted they know of at least one situation where the work of the team’s support staff has had direct life saving impact in the community.

“These individuals work very closely with our players and staff daily to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Oke said.

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CEO of CMHA HKPR Mark Graham Announces Retirement

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced Monday that their CEO of 31 years, Mark Graham, is set to retire Jan. 31.

file photo.

“Mark Graham is truly remarkable and impressive. He is counted on by many other partner agencies within the counties of the HKPR region. He has sat on many advisory tables and committees supporting CMHA HKPR and community-based mental health and addictions services. His multi-dimensional view on many different challenges will be sorely missed,” says CMHA HKPR board president John Lyons.

Mark started his career with CMHA HKPR in 1992 with a staff complement of 28 and an operating budget of $1.2 million. With his strong and professional work ethic, commitment to the organization and his established relationships with community stakeholders, CMHA HKPR now has 188 employees and an operating budget of just over $17.6 million. Through his leadership and employees, CMHA HKPR offers over 20 programs and services across the four counties. These services help to improve the mental well-being of our communities.

Although the work was hard, Mark and his team saw many rewards through the challenges. It is a true testament to what can be accomplished with a dedicated leader and a group of highly skilled and engaged personnel that embrace the challenges and forge ahead.

“As the President of the CMHA HKPR Board of Directors I, along with all the Board Members wish nothing but the best for Mark and his family as he ventures into the next much deserved phase of his life. I would also like to thank him for his selfless commitment, dedication, and contribution to the mental health field,” said Lyons.

The CMHA HKPR Board and Senior Management Team are committed to ensuring a smooth transition as they begin the search for his successor.

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Canadian Mental Health Association Teams Up With Peterborough Petes for Talk Today Game Night

The Peterborough Petes and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are teaming up to host Talk Today Night during the Petes home game against the Windsor Spitfires Thursday night.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

The game, presented by Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario, will take place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Feb. 23 at 7:05 p.m. and will feature:

• CMHA and Grain Farmers of Ontario tables in the concourse handing out information about Talk Today

• Player content relating to Talk Today to be played and shared at the PMC on gameday

• PA and video board announcements

• A pre-game ceremony and a puck drop featuring representatives from CMHA and Grain Farmers of Ontario

Launched by CMHA Ontario in 2014 in partnership with the OHL, the Talk Today program has grown to become one of the most comprehensive sport mental health programs in Canada. Through Talk Today, CMHA branches across Ontario have been teaming up with their local OHL teams to educate and support their players on mental health and suicide prevention.

“The Talk Today program is an essential piece to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging players to access mental health support when needed. I’m proud to know the Talk Today program started here in Peterborough and to have been a part of it since it’s inception,” says Jack Veitch, manager of community engagement and education.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to talk about mental health; especially in sport. Game night’s like Talk Today provide a platform to speak about mental health and we’re proud to partner with CMHA, Syngenta, and Grain Farmers of Ontario to spread this important messaging and keep the conversation moving forward,” says Adam King, director of marketing with the Petes.

Tickets for the game are available by clicking here, or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561.

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CMHA Mobile Wellness Clinic Seeking Parking Space in Northumberland or Peterborough

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is seeking a parking space for its Road Ahead Mobile Wellness Clinic vehicle in Northumberland or Peterborough overnight and on weekends.

Launched earlier this year, it saids individuals who may have difficulty accessing supports by bringing a full range of mental health and addictions services to rural and remote areas across the Four Counties according to a press release. The program provides counselling and therapy, support with addictions and substance use, mental health education, medication support, and access to other services such as psychiatry.

CMHA HKPR is seeking a parking option that:

• Is located in a bay or locked building

• Has the space for a vehicle that is 37 ft L by 12 ft H and 13 ft W

• Is heated (above freezing)

• Includes a safe space for up to three staff vehicles to park while the clinic is on the road

• Includes access to the bay or building by 8:30 a.m. 7 days a week

• Is centrally located to serve Peterborough and Northumberland

Anyone knowing a landlord or a vacant commercial parking space in the Peterborough or Northumberland area is asked to contact Jeff Cadence, manager of The Road Ahead at jcadence@cmhahkpr.ca.

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CMHA Offers New Courses Through HOPE Learning Centre This Fall

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) introducing new courses through the Helping Others Through Peer Education (HOPE) Learning Centre this fall announced on Wednesday.

Photo by Luke Best.

The courses include mental health and well-being that promote recovery, hope, empowerment, possibility and connection. Courses are collaboratively designed, developed, and delivered with individuals who have lived experience.

HOPE launched its Fall Course Catalogue and Calendar this week for City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Northumberland and Haliburton.

Courses are offered virtually and in person. The are intended for anyone over 16 that is living with a mental health concern. CMHA says it may be particularly beneficial for people who are looking to connect with others and could benefit from the support and guidance in making choices in their recovery journey.

“The H.O.P.E. Learning Centre brings innovative mental health and wellness programming to the communities we serve. It provides education in an interactive, meaningful way that focuses on improved quality of life for its participants.,” said Christine Crough, manager of peer initiatives and employment supports, “Our aim in delivering programming is to help participants feel empowered, have a sense of connection and hopefulness as they move forward in their wellness journey.”

A class list or enrollment can be found on CMHA’s website.

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Video: Flash Mob At Little Lake Yesterday To Raise Awareness For Canadian Mental Health Association

[YouTube; Peterborough CMHA]

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