Clark County is helping to shine a light on the resources available to those in our community who may be struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide or self-harm as the holidays can often be a challenging time for many.
According to the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, in Nevada, there were 603 deaths from suicide in 2020, and on average, one Nevadan dies by suicide every 14 hours. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-34 in the Silver State, and ninth-leading cause for all Nevadans.
“As the regional provider of services for our community, mental health resources are a key focus for Clark County and this time of year, we want to remind everyone who may be struggling that help is within reach,” Commissioner Marylin Kirkpatrick said. “By reminding people about all the support out there, we are hoping to spread awareness and help prevent suicide and self-harm. I also encourage everyone I know to always check in on their loved ones and friends. Reach out to five people a day to make sure your folks are doing OK.”
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the first step starts with reaching out:
- Be aware of the signs of depression -- specifically changes in behavior, appearance or mood.
- Don't be afraid to start conversations about suicide in an understanding, compassionate and open-minded manner.
- Contribute to a supportive community that looks out for one another.
Various agencies across Clark County provide services to help those who may be at-risk of harming themselves. If you or a loved one is contemplating an action that may end a life, please seek help. This referral listing has been compiled to help you find the assistance you may need:
- Call/text/chat with a crisis counselor at 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/
- Crisis Support Services of Nevada by calling 800-273-8255 or texting CARE to 839863
- Hope Means Nevada at https://hopemeansnevada.org/
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Ayuda En Español (Spanish National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) at 1-888-628-9454
- Crisis Text “Home” To 741741
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hotline at 1-800-950-6264
- Suicide Prevention Hotline of Nevada at 1-877-885-4673
- Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention at https://suicideprevention.nv.gov/
- Crisis Support Services of Nevada at (775) 784-8090
- International Suicide Prevention at (702) 743-4340
- Self-Injury Hotline at 800-DON’T CUT (800-366-8288)
- Child Abuse Hotline (Clark County) at (702) 399-0081
- National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
- Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Signs of Hope (formerly known as Rape Crisis Hotline) at (702) 366-1640, TTD 702-385-49790
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) at 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.3 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2019). Included are the nation’s 8th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.