General News
Published March 15, 2022
In the United States, 1 in 5 Americans
struggle with mental health issues; however, over half of adults don’t receive
treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, eight in 10
workers say shame and stigma prevent them from seeking treatment for a mental
health condition.
Premera is launching a new campaign this
month, featuring Kraken players sharing their real-life experiences with mental
health and how they’ve worked to normalize that mental health is just as
important as physical health. The campaign will be featured on Hockey Talks, an
annual initiative where NHL hockey clubs raise awareness about mental health
and offer fans the opportunity to get involved through social media.
“Stigma plays a large role in why people who
struggle with behavioral health issues don’t seek the care they need,” said Jim
Havens, chief communications and marketing officer for Premera. “So often our
friends, families, and loved ones suffer in silence. Through our campaign,
we’re seeking to share that it is OK not to be OK and showing that people aren’t
alone.”
The campaign introduces a new TV spot called
“Skate Marks,” which captures an intense workout from an isolated hockey
player. The lone player represents the 1 in 5 Americans who are affected by
mental health, while the marks from his skates reveal one of the most important
first steps in seeking care – asking for help. The spot began airing in
mid-January and continues throughout the rest of the NHL regular season. The ad
also ran during the Winter Olympics.
The campaign features a series of videos from
Kraken players, Riley Sheahan, Brandon Tanev, Chris Driedger and Haydn Fleury,
discussing issues around mental health, including stigma, reaching out, and how
to seek help. Fans are encouraged to share personal messages and messages of
support to create an open dialogue and awareness about mental health, using
#HockeyTalks. The stories will be shared across Premera’s and the Kraken’s
social channels as well.
“We’re proud to play a part in this important
conversation to end the stigmatization of mental health,” said Tod Leiweke, CEO,
Seattle Kraken. “Our players have shared stories about their own mental health
journeys, and I hope they can be a source to help change our communities for
the better.”
To find more information about addressing mental
health and resources for care, visit www.Premera.com/Hockeytalks.