LAS VEGAS (September 2026) – Hope Means Nevada (HMN) – the community-based non-profit focused on supporting youth mental health, eliminating youth suicide in the state and empowering Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives – announces “Walk Across Nevada,” a new five-week statewide challenge taking place Saturday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 21. Communities across the state are encouraged to log their miles using the Strava app to raise awareness for youth mental wellness while building momentum leading into “Hope in Action,” HMN’s annual community Hope Walk, volunteerism and mental wellness event taking place Las Vegas at UNLV’s Valerie Pida Plaza on Nov. 21.
“Walk Across Nevada” encourages teens and adults statewide to turn their everyday walks into meaningful action. Every step helps raise awareness for youth mental wellness while elevating HMN’s mission of eliminating teen suicide and empowering Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives. Participation in the challenge is free, but fundraising for HMN is also encouraged.
The campaign comes at a critical time. In Nevada, suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth ages 12 to 19, and a young person dies by suicide approximately every 5.29 days in the United States. HMN is the only non-profit in the state solely focused on preventing teen suicide through communication, peer-to-peer connection and accessible mental health resources.
At the conclusion of “Walk Across Nevada,” participants are invited to join “Hope in Action,” HMN’s annual 5K Hope Walk, volunteerism and mental wellness event at the Valerie Pida Plaza on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bringing together teens, families, businesses, community organizations and local leaders, the event celebrates the collective impact of communities coming together to promote mental wellness, inspire hope and support Nevada’s youth. Centered around this year’s theme, “Action is the Antidote,” “Hope in Action” highlights the positive impact volunteering can have on both individuals and the community.
“With more than 3.3 million Nevadans, we have a big opportunity to drive serious change and elevate conversations surrounding youth mental wellness,” said Janna Velasco, executive director, Hope Means Nevada. “When the entire state works together towards the same goal, we can truly show our youth how much we support them. Across every community—from Las Vegas to Reno, Elko, Fallon and everywhere in between—we encourage all Nevadans to join this challenge and show young people that they’re surrounded by love and care.”
Interested participants may download the Strava app, join the Hope Means Nevada club and begin tracking their miles. A paid Strava membership is not required to participate. Users may simply select the small “X” in the upper-right corner of the pop-up to continue using the free version of the Strava app. To join Hope Means Nevada’s Strava club, click here.
ABOUT HOPE MEANS NEVADA
Hope Means Nevada’s (HMN) mission is to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives. As one of the most trusted and visible mental health resources in the state, HMN inspires a culture of empathy and advocacy around mental health. While raising awareness around Nevada’s high rates of mental health challenges, the organization strives to amplify hope and connect youth with desperately needed resources. Through collaborative, compassionate, inclusive and impactful efforts, the community-based initiative envisions a suicide-free Nevada. For more information about Hope Means Nevada, go to www.hopemeansnevada.org and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X. The new National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is now three-digit dialing code 988. Those experiencing a mental health emergency can also text “Home” to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line.
