Hope Means Nevada (HMN), the community-based non-profit focused on supporting youth mental health, eliminating youth suicide in the state and empowering Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives, announces a series of initiatives and programming in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month this September.
As the organization leading Nevada’s statewide effort for Suicide Prevention Month, HMN will focus on raising awareness, fostering connection and sharing the message that suicide is preventable—because with help comes hope.
Throughout the month, HMN will lead the Nevada Suicide Prevention September Taskforce, supported by SilverSummit Healthplan, to coordinate programming, community engagement and awareness efforts statewide.
Hope Means Nevada will also join forces with Youth MOVE Nevada, a youth-led program that empowers peers to engage with youth-serving systems, to release two podcast episodes during Suicide Prevention Month. These episodes will feature members of HMN’s Teen Hope Network, including Avery Camacho, Amielle Coronel, Jeremiah Irorbeje and Samantha Mittin, as they share perspectives on mental health, resilience and hope.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Nevada youth ages 12 to 19. For every teen who dies by suicide, an estimated 100 to 200 others have attempted. According to the Nevada Department of Suicide Prevention, September has the highest suicide rates among individuals ages 15 to 24, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and support. Through hopemeansnevada.org, social media, and in-person programs, HMN delivers critical resources, training, and connections to help teens build resilience and discover hope.
“Suicide is preventable, and with help comes hope,” said Janna Velasco, executive director, Hope Means Nevada. “As we lead Nevada’s statewide effort for Suicide Prevention Month, we want teens, parents and community members to know that everyone has a role to play in protecting youth mental wellness.”
The complete list of Suicide Prevention Month initiatives follows.
Sign The Stay Book at NAMI Southern Nevada (Clark County)
Date: Every Tuesday through Thursday in September
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: NAMI Southern Nevada Office at 2820 W. Charleston Blvd, Unit 19, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Description: Join NAMI in honoring Suicide Prevention Month by signing The Stay Book, a community collection of letters reminding others they’re not alone. Words can bring comfort, strength and hope to someone who’s struggling. At NAMI’s writing station, participants can write a letter of encouragement, share their own stories of hope or resilience and reflect on what hope means to them. Letters will be placed in crisis response centers. For those drafting letters, NAMI will offer stickers as a thank you.
Paint Hope Rocks with PENTA Building Group (Clark County)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: PENTA Building Group Main Office, 181 E. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Description: In partnership with The PENTA Building Group, Hope Means Nevada invites the community to paint and distribute “Hope Rocks” — uplifting messages on hand-painted rocks designed to spread encouragement and awareness. The event fosters creativity, connection and positivity while supporting suicide prevention efforts. Teens, children, parents and other community members are welcome.
The Write Direction: Journaling for Positive Mental Wellbeing (Clark County)
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 9
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: NAMI Southern Nevada Office at 2820 W. Charleston Blvd, Unit 19, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Description: Joseph Gaccione is a communications manager at Intermountain Health with a background in writing, video, podcasting and media storytelling. In this engaging workshop, he will guide participants through the power of journaling as a tool for coping, creativity and self-expression. To rsvp for this free workshop, click here.
World Suicide Prevention Day Landmark Lightings (Statewide)
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Locations: “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign, High Roller Observation Wheel, Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, large digital displays on the Las Vegas Strip and Paradise Road courtesy of Spotlight Outdoor Ads, Grand Sierra Resort and Renown Regional Medical Center’s LOVE Sign.
Description: In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, iconic landmarks across the state will glow in turquoise and purple to raise awareness of suicide prevention. In Las Vegas, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign will be lit alongside additional landmarks across the city, including the High Roller Observation Wheel, Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, two billboards on the Strip and two billboards off Strip. In Reno, Nevada, the Grand Sierra Resort and Renown Regional Medical Center’s LOVE sign will also be illuminated in turquoise and purple.
NAMI Smarts for Advocacy: Reimagining Crisis Response (Virtual)
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual training.
Description: Reimagining Crisis Response will cover the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and how to influence policymakers to strengthen the Nevada crisis response system. Whether you’re a peer support worker, advocate, family member or someone with personal experience navigating crisis care, this training will give you the tools to turn insight into impact. For more information or to attend the workshop, click here.
For more information about Suicide Prevention Month events or to get involved with Hope Means Nevada, visit www.hopemeansnevada.org and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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