Nevada Nonprofit Pushes for Mental Health Awareness in Latino Community

Hope Means Nevada focuses on preventing teen suicide and improving youth mental health across the state.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 11:36am

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A local nonprofit in Nevada, Hope Means Nevada, is working to break the stigma around mental health discussions in Latino households. The state ranks last in youth mental health, and Latina girls in particular report 10% higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers. The nonprofit's executive director, Janna Velasco, says having open conversations about mental health is crucial, even though it may be uncomfortable at first.

Why it matters

Nevada's poor ranking in youth mental health highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and support, especially in underserved communities like the Latino population. Addressing the stigma around mental health discussions is an important step in improving outcomes and preventing tragedies like teen suicide.

The details

Hope Means Nevada is a nonprofit focused on preventing teen suicide and improving youth mental health across the state. Executive Director Janna Velasco said Nevada ranks last in the nation for youth mental health, with Latina girls reporting 10% higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers. Velasco was surprised by this statistic, as she expected the strong family support in Latino households to have the opposite effect. However, she says the stigma around mental health discussions persists, which is why it's crucial for parents to have open conversations with their teens about mental health and safety.

  • Mental Health America recently reported Nevada as ranking 51st in the nation for youth mental health.

The players

Hope Means Nevada

A nonprofit focused on preventing teen suicide and improving youth mental health across Nevada.

Janna Velasco

The executive director of Hope Means Nevada.

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What they’re saying

“I think all the data proves that our work is important and imperative and really urgent, because Mental Health America just reported us last, 51st.”

— Janna Velasco, Executive Director, Hope Means Nevada

“Latinas, in particular, female Hispanic youth, reports 10% higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers.”

— Janna Velasco, Executive Director, Hope Means Nevada

“Really, having a preventative conversation with your teen, just like you might run through a fire escape route, or how to beware of strangers. It's a safety plan for teens that really needs to happen. And parents should just start the conversation.”

— Janna Velasco, Executive Director, Hope Means Nevada

What’s next

Hope Means Nevada will be hosting a mental health wellness walk in a few weeks to continue raising awareness and support for youth mental health in the community.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical need to address the stigma around mental health discussions, especially in underserved communities like the Latino population in Nevada. By having open conversations and providing resources, nonprofits like Hope Means Nevada are working to improve youth mental health outcomes and prevent tragedies like teen suicide.