NAMIWalks 2023 Is Fighting For Nevada’s Mental Health
According to statistics, one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness. Additionally, one in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
These statistics, acquired by NAMI, indicate that someone you know is most likely suffering from something you can’t see. What may be even harder to swallow is how hard it is for those afflicted in Nevada to find care for their mental health.
Mental Health America recently ranked the states regarding access to mental health care and the prevalence of mental illness.
Nevada came in dead last for mental health care.
More shocking is the fact that that number is specifically in regards to mental health care access for our youth. Our state did place 40 in the country for adults when it comes to access. But Nevada youth have very little options locally for finding the help they need for their mental health. And for 2022, the CDC listed suicide as the ninth leading cause of death for Nevadans.
Something has to change.
First, talking about mental health has to be normalized. Second, it has to be prioritized. Saying you don’t have to worry about mental health is as dangerous as saying you don’t have to worry about your physical health. Everyone has mental health. And we are in the middle of a mental health crisis in our country.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is hosting the NAMIWalks this month to help raise funds and awareness for mental health. NAMI Southern Nevada is inviting the entire community to join one of four walks in the state to help in this effort. Whether you are near Reno, Carson City, Elko or Las Vegas, there will be a walk near you. On October 7, 2023, you can join the Fall United Day of Hope, and the march against the shadows mental health has been in for far too long.
To get involved, visit www.namiwalks.org/nevada.
Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, vice president at NAMI Southern Nevada, joined Wendy this week on Talking Solutions. He gave more detail about the walk, why it’s important, and how to participate.
Original air date of this interview was October 1, 2023.
