Foundation Launches Mental Health Academy

New initiative brings community leaders together to expand mental health awareness and support throughout Southern Nevada

The Avery Burton Foundation is expanding its commitment to mental health awareness with the launch of its Mental Health Champion Academy, a new initiative designed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to and connect others with mental health support. 

The Academy was officially introduced during the Foundation’s “Building a Community of Mental Health Champions” Scholarship Luncheon and Community Conversation, held at the West Las Vegas Library. The gathering brought together students, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders and nonprofit partners for an afternoon focused on mental health, community engagement and the importance of investing in the next generation.

At the heart of the new Academy is a simple but powerful concept: mental health support should not begin only when someone reaches a crisis point. By educating everyday community members, the Foundation hopes to create a broader network of people who can identify warning signs, offer compassionate support and help individuals find appropriate resources. 

The Mental Health Champion Academy teaches participants practical skills for recognizing when someone may be struggling, responding with empathy and compassion, and connecting individuals with professional and community-based resources before a crisis occurs. 

The luncheon also celebrated four outstanding student scholarship recipients, recognizing their leadership, resilience and commitment to serving others. Foundation leaders stressed that supporting young people and preparing community members to respond to mental health needs are interconnected investments in the future health and well-being of Southern Nevada. 

“This Academy is built on a simple belief,” said Reggie Burton, founder of the Avery Burton Foundation. “Every community becomes stronger when more people know how to recognize someone in need, respond with empathy and connect them to help.” 

The Foundation plans to build on the Academy’s initial launch by developing partnerships with schools, employers and community organizations throughout Nevada. Through those partnerships, the organization hopes to make mental health education and support more accessible while creating a growing network of Mental Health Champions in communities across the state. 

The Mental Health Champion Academy represents another step in the Avery Burton Foundation’s effort to make mental health awareness a community-wide responsibility — one that encourages people to look out for one another, start difficult conversations and ensure that those who need help know where to turn.