Hundreds Join Hope Means Nevada on UNLV Campus To Support Youth Mental Health

“Hope in Action”— an annual community volunteer action and mental wellness event took place on November 8, 2025.

The event was presented by 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. Nevada ranks 51st out of 51 states and jurisdictions in Mental Health America’s 2025 State of Mental Health in America report, reflecting the highest prevalence of youth mental health challenges and the lowest access to care nationwide.  

Volunteers and supporters gathered at the Valerie Pida Plaza on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus. Attendees were invited to join a wellness walk around the UNLV campus to elevate the conversation around mental and physical health through movement and connection.  Attendees included City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley; UNLV president Chris Heavey; Dr. Shawn Gerstenberger, dean of UNLV’s School of Public Health; and other supporters of Hope Means Nevada.

The event recognized that doing good for others is a powerful way to boost mood and support overall mental wellness. As the only nonprofit in Nevada dedicated solely to the intervention and prevention of teen suicide through communication and peer-to-peer connection, HMN invites teens, their friends, and families to participate in a group volunteer event benefiting a variety of local charitable organizations.

ABOUT HOPE MEANS NEVADA
Hope Means Nevada’s (HMN) mission is to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives. As one of the most trusted and visible mental health resources in the state, HMN inspires a culture of empathy and advocacy around mental health. While raising awareness around Nevada’s high rates of mental health challenges, the organization strives to amplify hope and connect youth with desperately needed resources. Through collaborative, compassionate, inclusive and impactful efforts, the community-based initiative envisions a suicide-free Nevada. For more information about Hope Means Nevada, go to www.hopemeansnevada.org and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X. The new National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is now three-digit dialing code 988. Those experiencing a mental health emergency can also text “Home” to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line.