The Winnipeg Jets are paying tribute to a former teammate by raising awareness about mental health.

The True North Foundation launched Project 11 on Monday, a mental-health program for elementary school students.

Rick Rypien was honoured during the launch of the program, which promotes positive mental health among students in Grades 5 to 7.

Rypien was found dead in Aug. 2011 in what RCMP called a "sudden and suspicious death."

Rick Rypien was honoured at the launch of a mental health program for students in Winnipeg on Monday. (Canadian Press)

Craig Heisinger said Rypien wanted to use his struggles to help others.

“He would be happy because his focus had always been to help other people,” said Jets assistant general manager Craig Heisinger.

Heisinger said he hopes getting the message out about mental health will prevent future tragedies.

“It took him a long time to understand he wasn’t the only one. He always thought he was a burden — that he was the only one — and that clearly wasn’t the case,” said Heisinger.

The move comes as part of a commitment from seven Canadian National Hockey League teams to raise awareness about mental health issues in February.