Teen mental health in Nevada is in crisis, but the story doesn’t end there. In this powerful episode, Jana Velasco shares how Hope Means Nevada is equipping teens with the tools to regulate emotions, choose joy, and build resilience long before a crisis emerges. Through human connection, socio-emotional learning, and community support, we explore how young people can reclaim their power—becoming the “captains of their own ship,” even in the most challenging times.

About the Guest:

Jana Velasco
Jana Velasco is the Executive Director of Hope Means Nevada, an organization dedicated to promoting youth mental wellness throughout the state. With a mission to eliminate teen suicide, Jana leverages her personal and professional experiences to connect with teens facing mental health challenges. Her leadership in the organization aims to provide vital tools and resources to Nevada’s youth to foster emotional regulation. Jana’s commitment to serving the community is also informed by her role as a mother and advocate for mental health awareness.

Episode Summary:

In this special edition of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens delve into an essential conversation on hope and mental health with Jana Velasco, Executive Director of Hope Means Nevada. This episode carries a particular focus on providing practical solutions and support for youth mental wellness across Nevada, addressing the state's unfortunate ranking of 51st for youth mental health in the nation.

Jana Velasco introduces the Teen Hope Academy, a proactive program aimed at equipping young individuals with skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance. This comprehensive initiative is designed to be accessible through virtual sessions, promoting mental wellness over crisis response. The hosts and Jana discuss the importance of choosing hope and joy, stressing the need for positive, compassionate community initiatives that engage both teens and adults. Throughout the conversation, they explore the impact of socio-emotional learning and the broader implications of mental health tools for long-term community transformation.

Key Takeaways:

• Youth Mental Health: Nevada ranks last in youth mental health, prompting initiatives like the Teen Hope Academy.
• Importance of Emotional Regulation: Teen Hope Academy teaches emotional regulation to empower teens, showing promise for reducing youth suicide rates.
• Hope and Resilience: The episode underscores choosing hope, resilience, and joy, especially during challenging times.
• Community Support: Building a supportive community and engaging in continuous, meaningful conversations are vital to this effort.
• Proactive Engagement: Parents and adults should engage teens in mental wellness strategies before reaching a crisis point.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Hope to me is limitless... It’s human connectivity that keeps us strong." - Jana Velasco
2. "Choosing hope, choosing joy, and not saying toxic positivity... One of the few things we get to actually choose is our attitude." - Ciara Owens
3. "We are creating our own worlds... And as the world might say they are powerless, they are actually the captains of their own ship." - Jana Velasco
4. "We’re not solitary individuals... Conversation is healing." - Jana Velasco

Resources:

• Hope Means Nevada: hopemeansnevada.org
• 988 Crisis Text Line: A resource for immediate, confidential help.
• Southern Nevada Health District: Support and partnership on community health initiatives.
• Jamison Fellowship: A network for adult development, highlighting community building and personal growth.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode for a deeper understanding of the impacts of youth mental health initiatives and to stay engaged with future episodes of "A Healthier Tomorrow" for more inspiring discussions.

What keeps a pediatric surgeon up at night on Halloween? It’s not the ghosts—it’s what ends up in the ER.”

In this special Halloween episode of A Healthier Tomorrow, Dr. Erik Pearson joins Will Rucker and Ciara Owens to share real stories, expert tips, and surprising truths about keeping kids safe—from glow stick hacks to the dangers of costume fabrics and magnets. This is the conversation every parent should hear before trick-or-treating begins.

About the Guest:

Dr. Erik Pearson is a pediatric surgeon with a strong background in treating a variety of pediatric cases, from complex congenital conditions to routine surgeries like appendectomies. Having completed his pediatric surgery training at Emory University in Atlanta, Dr. Pearson currently practices in Las Vegas, where he has been a dedicated part of the community since 2017. His medical career started with a dramatic introduction during the one October event at Sunrise Hospital, marking his commitment to the community. Dr. Pearson is passionate about pediatric healthcare and emphasizes compassion as a core component of effective medical care.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another engaging episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow" with hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens. As the vibrant fall season sets in, this episode takes a spooky yet insightful turn as it dives into the safety measures surrounding Halloween. The discussion kicks off with Halloween anecdotes and how the community gears up for this festive season with a close look at costume tips and candy sharing. Venturing into more serious territory, the episode shines a spotlight on pediatric health and safety, especially focusing on Halloween-related concerns.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Erik Pearson joins the show with his expert insights as a pediatric surgeon. He discusses the common and potentially hazardous injuries associated with Halloween among children, providing practical tips for maintaining safety. From advocating for the use of commercial pumpkin carving kits to recommending sequins or safer costume alternatives for visibility, Dr. Pearson covers a broad spectrum of effective preventative measures. Additionally, the episode addresses broader safety concerns, such as pedestrian safety, emphasizing the importance of parental vigilance and community responsibility. Dr. Pearson’s experience and stories reveal both the challenges and rewards of working in pediatric surgery, underscoring the profound responsibility of caring for children's health.

Key Takeaways:

• Common Halloween Injuries: Pumpkin carving leads as a source of injuries; avoid using kitchen knives and opt for commercial pumpkin carving kits.
• Pedestrian Safety: Children are twice as likely to be hit by cars on Halloween; adopt reflective clothing, glow sticks, and ensure visibility.
• Fire Hazards: Use LED lights in pumpkins and choose non-flammable materials for costumes to prevent burns.
• Parental Vigilance: Balance between creating a safe environment and allowing children autonomy to explore and learn.
• Community Role: Both drivers and non-parents should actively participate in ensuring children's safety during festive times.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Most kids who get hit by automobiles, it's happening between 5:30 and 9:30 pm." - Dr. Erik Pearson
2. "I know that you're really worried, and I know that this is really scary. And if it wasn't scary, then that would be abnormal." - Dr. Erik Pearson
3. "The greatest responsibility somebody can have is taking care of somebody else's child." - Dr. Erik Pearson
4. "We want fire retardant sequins if you can find them." - Dr. Erik Pearson
5. "Slow-moving missiles in the abdomen" regarding how magnets interact within the body. - Dr. Erik Pearson

Encourage your curiosity and deepen your understanding by listening to the full episode. Tune in for more enlightening discussions and expert insights on "A Healthier Tomorrow," where we prioritize living compassionately and preparing for a healthier future. Stay connected and keep an eye out for more episodes that bring the community together through knowledge and shared experiences.