By ELISE DALLEY
The Progress
Mental Health has become a life-long battle for an increasing number of people. In the State of Nevada, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youths aged 10-24.
Since the pandemic, the Moapa Valley Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) has recognized this growing trend and have tried to respond by holding mental health events aimed at local youth.
Last week, the TLC hosted its second annual Mental Health Fair on Tuesday evening, November, 29 at Moapa Valley High School. The Fair involved youth in a variety of connectivity games, mental health guest speakers, and even a tasty Chick-Fil-A dinner.
Upon arriving, youth were directed to the MVHS auditorium, where they listened to guest speakers Emma White and Niall Lounge.
White is both an author and suicide survivor. She raises awareness and provides hope to youth all throughout Nevada.
White shared her story with the group, stating how she started getting bullied as a sophomore in high school. She had difficulty knowing who to turn to.
“It wasn’t about wanting to die, it was about wanting to end the pain,” she said. “You never know what someone is going through, even if they look happy.”
The other guest speaker, Niall Lounge, is both an international pro soccer player and a mental health advocate. He shared his story about his fight with mental health after his mother’s sudden and tragic death from cancer.
Following this presentation, the youth were directed to the MVHS Gym where food and games were provided.
“I think this event was a good opportunity for us to learn more about mental health,” said 8th grader attendee Kenyon May. “It was a good experience.”
During these activities, parents and other adults were learning about the mental health stats in Nevada from Richard Egan, the Southern Nevada Suicide Prevention Training and Outreach Faciliator for Department of Health and Human Services.
The TLC had been planning this fair for months in advance and it was well attended. The group had been doing various forms of fundraising including 5K’s, online donations, and promotions.
“The Mental Health Fair is really such a big event,” said TLC member Shaylee Adams. “We pour our heart and soul into this. We try to get the speakers that we feel are going to positively impact our valley. We have had a huge focus on mental health in the community, it’s been one of our hard hitters since this group has been formed.”
The TLC hopes to continue this event as an annual tradition in order to continue mental health awareness.
Featured speaker Emma White was also impressed with the event. “It’s really awesome to see this community come together, because you don’t always see communities come together,” she said. “I would just really encourage students, parents, and families to just dive in and get education on suicide and on suicide prevention.
Niall Lounge was also inspired by the outcome of the Awareness Fair. “Everyone in this valley has been so warm and welcoming of me and my wife,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t think it could have gone any better. I really appreciate it. If they were ever to ask again I would do it in a heartbeat.”
