Clark County and representatives of the 988 Awareness Project and Hope Means Nevada will turn the lights of the Welcome Sign purple on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in recognition of Suicide Prevention Week and Month.
“For too long, too many Nevadans have chosen suicide in response to their challenges,” said Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones. “Those who are suffering from mental health challenges should know that there are resources available to them, and I’m happy to support the great work of organizations like 988 Awareness Project and Hope Means Nevada, who are doing all that they can to make a difference regarding this issue.” Nevada experienced 698 suicides in 2022, the 11th-highest in the nation on a per-capita basis, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"During Suicide Prevention Awareness month, it is so important to provide awareness of the resources that are available to those who are in mental distress, considering suicide or struggling with mental health or addiction," said Payson Cunningham, president of the 988 Awareness Project and co-chair of the Hope Means Nevada Teen Hope Network. "Anyone in the United States can call or text the national abbreviated 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. Hope Means Nevada is a valued partner in our efforts to raise awareness of this life-saving resource."
"Our mission is to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives by raising awareness and providing crucial resources," said Ciera Bellavance, executive director, Hope Means Nevada. "Through our partnership with the 988 Awareness Project, we aim to foster a community where every young person feels valued and supported. This National Suicide Prevention Month initiative highlights the importance of mental health resources and the role we all play in offering hope and help to those in need."
Also in attendance at the event will be Boys Town Nevada and Jason Lamberth, who lost his daughter Hailee to suicide 11 years ago. He established Hailee’s Hope, a local nonprofit foundation focused on suicide prevention and awareness.
“This year marks 11 years since my daughter Hailee died by suicide,” said Mr. Lambert. “As a survivor of suicide loss, suicide prevention is something near and dear to my heart as I live through the trauma and witness the effects it has on families, friends, loved ones and those around us. We’re fortunate and proud to stand with our community partners, the State Office of Suicide Prevention, and the Clark County commissioners to raise awareness for suicide prevention in an effort to help save lives and remove the stigma surrounding suicide.”
“During this month, let’s come together to support those who may be struggling. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues, and let them know they are not alone. Small gestures of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference,” said John Etzell, Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada. “If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many resources available, including hotlines, counseling services, and support groups. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to talk about mental health.”
This year, Suicide Prevention Week is recognized Sunday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 14. Other Las Vegas landmarks going purple are the Las Vegas Strip High Roller Observation Wheel and the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is located on the Las Vegas Strip south of Russell Road and was created in 1959 after the Clark County Commission approved funding for the project on what was then Highway 91. Submitting the lowest qualified bid was Western Electric Display, Inc. (aka “Western Neon”), purchased by YESCO in the 1960s. The design, characteristic of the Googie architecture movement, was created by Betty Willis. The 25-foot-tall sign was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, Clark County’s centennial year. The sign, like the rest of the Las Vegas Strip, is in unincorporated Clark County.
Pictured Below: Board Chair, Chris Bennett and Dr. Tara Borsch
