On January 10, 2024, the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) introduced a new mental health initiative called “First Line,” specifically designed to support NHL players and their families. The program, which includes peer-to-peer support, aims to educate participants about the stigma of mental illness and strategies to address it. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh spoke at the launch, underscoring the initiative's commitment to bolstering mental health skills. In partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), the NHLPA crafted this educational and leadership program to improve mental health knowledge and skills among its members. As a significant aspect of the initiative, 20 active NHL players, including captains like Mikael Backlund, have been trained in mental health education to help dismantle locker room barriers. Jay Harrison, who has a background of 372 NHL games, is involved as a consulting psychologist for the NHLPA and was available to discuss the new initiative. Recognized as a pioneering program in professional sports, “First Line” is seen as an essential resource for player mental health.
I was honoured to emcee the launch of “First Line” a program developed by the @NHLPA & @MHCC_ to strengthen NHL players’ mental health & knowledge skills. It’s the first of its kind in professional sports and a much needed resource for players. #OpeningMinds https://t.co/BOZzsUfpYJ
Such impressive work being done here by former NHLer Dr. Jay Harrison and the NHLPA in breaking down the barriers to improved mental health with a groundbreaking program First Line. https://t.co/316ozcHGBx
The National Hockey League Players' Association has announced a new program, First Line, meant to support the mental health of NHL players: https://t.co/TjxaJ18Mz4
Jay Harrison, who played 372 NHL games, is consulting psychologist for the NHLPA. Here he is this morning answering questions about the new initiative https://t.co/Ov8RwvM8NN https://t.co/KgShdK9upJ
NHLPA creates mental health initiative “First Line” for NHL players and families https://t.co/ua4HlAS5f3
The NHLPA has trained 20 active NHL players in mental health education, with an aim of breaking down locker room barriers. "Being the captain, I felt like it was my responsibility to take this course," says Mikael Backlund. A look at the new program. https://t.co/Lsjx58Mz4s
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh speaks at the launch of "First Line" -- a new program developed to help strengthen mental health skills for NHL players. https://t.co/8giwcVjHpC
NEWS: The NHLPA has a new mental health initiative called “First Line,” specifically for NHL players and their families. It includes peer-to-peer support to “educate about the stigma of mental illness and how to combat it." More here: https://t.co/gktq7ECyig
The NHLPA and @MHCC_ launch First Line – an education and leadership program developed to strengthen the mental health knowledge and skills of NHLPA members. Full release: https://t.co/BBvFniAQyh #OpeningMinds https://t.co/HSBgxeLlhW