(Photo courtesy of Hope Means Nevada)
WHAT:
Working media are invited to “Hope in Action”—the annual community volunteer action and mental wellness event 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. The event comes as 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.
Taking place at the Valerie Pida Plaza on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, this year’s event promises numerous volunteer activities. In addition, attendees will be invited to a wellness walk around the UNLV campus to elevate the conversation around mental and physical health through movement and connection. Attendees will also hear from 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 as they share their support for HMN’s mission.
The event recognizes 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. Participants will take part in meaningful service projects for area nonprofits, while also enjoying entertainment and wellness activities designed to promote emotional well-being.
SPEAKERS:
● City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley
● UNLV President Chris Heavey
● Janna Velasco, executive director, Hope Means Nevada
● Julie Murray, co-founder, Hope Means Nevada
● Marc Orr, long-term supporter of Hope Means Nevada
● Dr. Shawn Gerstenberger, UNLV’s School of Public Health dean
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
● Janna Velasco, executive director, Hope Means Nevada
● Members of Hope Means Nevada’s Teen Hope Network
● UNLV President Chris Heavey
VISUALS:
● Wellness Walk with teens as well as their friends and families.
● Attendees performing service projects for local nonprofits, including building food kits for low-income members of the community and hygiene kits for those experiencing homelessness.
●A variety of community mental health organizations with booths offering information.
● Wellness activities such as art therapy, yoga, sound bath, music and more.
WHEN:
Saturday, Nov. 8
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Valerie Pida Plaza
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas, NV 89154
COST:
“Hope in Action” is free to attend.
Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information on sponsoring this event, contact Janna Velasco at janna@hopemeansnevada.org.
MEDIA RSVP:
To attend the event or to schedule an interview with a Hope Means Nevada spokesperson, please email Vanessa Thill at vanessa@thevoxagency.com. All interviews must be scheduled in advance.
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.
