Community Luncheon Recognizes Scholarship Recipients While Equipping Nevadans To Become Mental Health Champions
LAS VEGAS — The Avery Burton Foundation will bring together students, families, mental health professionals, educators, nonprofit organizations and community leaders on Friday, July 31, for Building a Community of Mental Health Champions, a scholarship luncheon celebrating resilience, education and a new vision for community mental health.
During the event, the Foundation will officially launch its Mental Health Champion Academy, a community education initiative built around three simple principles:
Recognize. Respond. Refer.
Held during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the event recognizes the importance of increasing awareness, reducing stigma and expanding culturally responsive mental health education throughout Southern Nevada.
Five graduating seniors will receive Avery Burton Foundation scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to their communities.
The Foundation will also recognize community partners whose commitment has helped expand conversations surrounding mental health throughout Southern Nevada.
“Mental health belongs to all of us—not just clinicians. Every parent, coach, teacher, employer, faith leader and neighbor can become someone another person trusts,” said Reggie Burton, Founder of the Avery Burton Foundation. “The Mental Health Champion Academy is about giving our community the confidence to recognize when someone may be struggling, respond with compassion and connect them to help.” Said ABF Board Member Ashley Dodson:
“As a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve seen firsthand that many people want to help a friend, family member or coworker but simply don’t know what to say or what to do. The Mental Health Champion Academy helps bridge that gap by giving everyday people practical tools to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion, and connect someone to appropriate support. Building mentally healthier communities begins with informed, caring individuals.”
Media Contact: Reggie Burton, RB Group
702-604-4283 or RB@reggieburton.com
