LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Hundreds of behavioral health and education leaders gathered at Orleans Casino on Tuesday to discuss ways to improve student mental health.
From various organizations and their booths to in-venue panels, the event opened communication channels and addressed the need for further funding.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six students has a mental illness, and only half have access to help. Organizer Ashish Mirchandani, CEO and founder of Miracle Mind Therapy, explained the goal.
“We see a very rapid growth trend in mental health services post-COVID-19,” Mirchandani said. “We want our policyholders to recognize this need and provide funding for school-based mental health.”
The second goal is to break down the stigma around mental health disorders. One of the topics was early intervention. Her mother and Clark County School District police social worker Tonya Jones agreed.
“We’re normalizing it and feeling like it’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to let it out,” she said, encouraging acceptance.
She expressed a desire for more free programs and greater awareness of existing programs.
Jones is participating in the “You Are Loved” campaign to highlight services in the district.
Looking to the larger community, Las Vegas City Councilman Brian Knudsen predicted improvements in the coming years.
“With all of these cones in the medical district, within the next six to nine months we will begin construction of a new medical facility for youth mental health services within the region.”
Knudsen did not provide specifics, but teased that more money is flowing to Southern Nevada for mental health resources.
“We are all working diligently toward the same goal, and that is to ensure that all children receive good, high-quality care,” Knudsen said.
Nationally, one in three high school girls had seriously considered suicide, according to a 2021 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you or someone you know is suffering, please contact the National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988.
